Friday Fulham Stuff (24/05/19)...

[WhiteJC]

WWE has a new rival — and it's about to make its pay-per-view debut

    Owned by Tony Khan, son of Shahid Khan, the billionaire owner of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars and also London-based English soccer team Fulham, AEW has been attempting to build momentum over several months.
    On Saturday night, it will hold its first official "Double or Nothing" show in Las Vegas.
    AEW has already built a roster of wrestlers including former WWE Champion Chris Jericho and enlisted another former WWE superstar Cody Rhodes as executive vice-president to be one of the faces of the brand.

WWE has had the sports-entertainment market in a chokehold for much of the 21st century, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, since the acquisition of several rival organizations in the early 2000s.

However, a new adversary is about to enter the ring this weekend, when All Elite Wrestling (AEW) makes its own pay-per-view bow.

Owned by Tony Khan, son of Shahid Khan, the billionaire owner of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars and also London-based English soccer team Fulham, AEW has been attempting to build momentum over several months. On Saturday night, it will hold its first official "Double or Nothing" show in Las Vegas.

AEW has already built a roster of wrestlers including former WWE Champion Chris Jericho and enlisted another former WWE superstar Cody Rhodes as executive vice-president to be one of the faces of the brand.

There's speculation on whether other WWE superstars could switch to AEW, with John Moxley Jonathan David Good? , known by his in-ring persona Dean Ambrose thought to be among them. Due to AEW being a privately-owned company, it is not obligated to disclose the wages of its wrestlers, as opposed to WWE, which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

However, WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, has moved to initiate conditions in several WWE contracts to prevent this from happening and the company losing its male and female stars to a rival.

Last week, Warner Media announced it was partnering with AEW in order to broadcast events on its TNT network in the U.S. and give fans "a new wrestling experience for the first time in 20 years."

As well as on TNT in prime time, AEW plans to stream through WarnerMedia's B/R Live platforms and on pay-per-view. While in the U.K., which is currently WWE's second-biggest pay-per-view market, wrestling fans will watch events through commercial channel ITV's Box Office service, with other content also available free-to-air.

This would also mean a shift away from mainstay wrestling broadcaster Sky Sports for British fans who are looking for an alternative to WWE.

"Wrestling fans have wanted — and needed — something different, authentic and better for far too long," said Tony Khan, president and CEO of AEW in a statement last week.

"AEW is answering the call. AEW is about more than wrestling. It's about a movement fueled by wrestling fans who have been underserved and perhaps even disappointed by what the industry has produced in recent years."

AEW's differences extend to having more of an emphasis on a wrestler's win and loss record, as well as competing for championship belts. There have also been suggestions it plans to introduce a league-based scoring system for matches.

From October 2019, WWE's weekly "Smackdown" show will be switching TV networks in the U.S. from its current home of USA Network to Fox, as part of a new five-year-deal worth a reported $1 billion. It will also be moving broadcast days, from Tuesday's to Friday's, and will be shown every week of the year.

Reports in the U.S. suggest AEW's deal with TNT could mean it's ready to fill the Tuesday night wrestling void with its more regular offerings later in the year.

WWE shares have fallen by around 20% since it reported first-quarter earnings in late April.

Disclosure: Comcast, which owns CNBC parent NBCUniversal, is the owner of Sky.



https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/23/aew-wwe-has-a-new-rival-and-its-about-to-make-its-pay-per-view-debut.html

[WhiteJC]

Pre-Season Update

The Club is able to confirm the following details of our 2019 pre-season schedule.

After a behind-closed-doors outing at Motspur Park at the beginning of July, Scott Parker's group will fly out to the Algarve in Portugal for a 10 day training camp.

Two fixtures will be played while the team are abroad, with one of these open to the public. Details to follow.

Upon their return to London, it's a quick turnaround as we face Brighton & Hove Albion at the EBB Stadium in Aldershot on Saturday 20th July (3pm).

A trip up the M40 follows soon after as we travel to Kassam Stadium where we'll take on Oxford United on the Tuesday (7.45pm), before preparations conclude back at Craven Cottage where we'll welcome West Ham United on Saturday 27th July (3pm).

Further information including ticket availability will be detailed in due course.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/may/23/pre-season-update

[WhiteJC]

Oxford United to host Fulham in pre-season


Fulham are favourites for the Sky Bet Championship title next season after relegation from the Premier League Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire

OXFORD United will play Fulham in a pre-season friendly at the Kassam Stadium.

The Londoners, favourites for the Sky Bet Championship title following their relegation from the Premier League, are due on Tuesday, July 23.

It is the second and final home warm-up fixture for Karl Robinson's side, who face Queen's Park Rangers three days earlier.

United have not played Fulham in a competitive game since a 5-3 Littlewoods Cup defeat at the Manor in 1989.

The announcement leaves just one game, billed as a prestigious away friendly, yet to be confirmed.

United will begin their League One campaign on Saturday, August 3.

July

Sun 7: TBC (a)

Tues 9: Oxford City (a) 7.45

Wed 10: Thame Utd (a)

Thurs 11: Brackley Town (a) 7.45

Sat 13: Woking (a) 3

Tues 16: Eastleigh (a) 7.30

Sat 20: QPR (H) 3

Tues 23: Fulham (H) 7.45

Sat 27: Solihull Moors (a) 3



https://www.banburycake.co.uk/sport/17659088.oxford-united-to-host-fulham-in-pre-season/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham v Brighton at the EBB!

Fulham are back at the EBB Stadium this summer as the SkyBet Championship side host Premier League opposition Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 20th July with a 3PM Kick Off.

Both sides boast new managers with Scott Parker given a permanent managerial role at the Cottagers earlier this month and Graham Potter succeeded Chris Hughton at the Seagulls this week.

Fulham have hosted Brighton at the EBB Stadium before, beating the Seagulls 3-0 in a pre-season friendly back in 2016.

Last summer they hosted Reading and Serie A club Sampdoria at the EBB Stadium, drawing 0-0 with the Royals and losing 1-0 to the Italian side.

Admission prices will be announced nearer the date.



https://www.theshots.co.uk/fulham-v-brighton-at-the-ebb/

[WhiteJC]

Putney Ultras | Thirty-Three Degrees South

I've got a confession: I once sat in the Putney End. It was the 2-1 win against Sunderland last year. I mean no offence to any die-hard Putney End fan, but it was awful.

When Sunderland scored, nobody moved. When Piazon scored on the stroke of halftime, still nobody moved. It was like the crowd had stumbled in, and weren't entirely sure where they were or what they were watching. You can see this when you're in every other stand; the away support bouncing, and the neutral section, a mix of stray away fans, and tumbleweed. My mates love telling me that "the Cottage is a library!" It's not difficult to see where they get that idea...

On one of the podcasts a few weeks ago, Sammy was talking about what might happen when the Riverside Stand gets redeveloped and how those fans will need to be redistributed around the ground:

"The Putney End, for years, has been a wasteland of away supporters, and Fulham fans who couldn't get tickets anywhere else... I would love to see the Putney End become a proper home support."

This caught my interest, and it could have caught yours too. There is not a Fulham fan alive who wouldn't like to see a Putney End that goes toe to toe with the away support. Crucially, that dream is perhaps more viable now than ever before, because with the closure of the Riverside, those fans have gotta go somewhere. Could this mean the redemption of the Putney End?

There is a precedent for this in the natural world: a starfish called the Linckia can hit the eject button on one of its points, and then grow an entirely new starfish. Two, where there was once only one! There is a very real potential that we could Linckia the hell out of the Putney End!

Here's what would need to happen...

An Intentional Base
Much like any start-up business, it has got to be strategic and intentional. A rocking Putney End isn't going to happen if people just show up and hope for the best. The people involved have to be aware they are involved for a start, and they need to be ready to stay when the new Riverside opens. They also need to be focused into one bay. Perhaps P3 or P4 could become the base, because singing is a very isolating experience when the three rows either side are just staring at you. Incidentally, this happened to me against last year against Sunderland, which leads me to my next point.

A Vocal Base
The base has to be loud. Even if in the Riverside, you weren't too involved, the time is nigh to reinvent yourself. You wouldn't necessarily be sitting with the same people, so it's kinda like the first day of Secondary school where you dyed your hair and told everyone you had a girlfriend, but she lived out of town. Generally, fans want to sing, they just don't want to start it. Some people have lower thresholds, and will start by themselves, and finish even if no one else joins in. But once momentum builds, and your average terrible singer feels as though their voice can't be picked out of the mob, even those with high thresholds will get involved. It's exponential in that way. But a group of people have got to be the critical mass that gives the majority the permission to join in.

Crisis or Opportunity?
The Chinese use the same word for crisis as they do for opportunity. And that's where we find ourselves, looking down the barrel of three years with only three stands. Potential crisis, or potential opportunity?

Crisis: we do nothing, the atmosphere dips a little, and away fans keep calling Fulham fans 'nice' and quiet. Or.

Opportunity: we don't bring carrots to feed the police horses, both ends of the pitch are noisy, and the Putney Ultras make The Den look like a nice place to take your kids. I like to imagine a conversation with some fictional child I will have in ten years, on our way to the Cottage:

Dad, is it true that the Putney End used to be quiet.

Oh yes, son!

Wow... When did they start deploying the Riot Squad along P4?

Just after we won the Champions League in 21/22. Now put this flare in your jacket, and smile at security as we go through the gate...

This conversation taking place is unlikely. I probably won't have kids.

The rest seems feasible.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2019-05-23-putney-ultras-thirty-three-degrees-south/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham identify Aleksandar Mitrovic replacements after setting £30m price for striker

Fulham have identified Dwight Gayle and Britt Assombalonga as possible replacements for Aleksandar Mitrovic if the Serb leaves Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic is expected to exit Fulham this summer following their relegation from the Premier League, with West Ham and Crystal Palace both interested in a move for him.

Fulham believe Newcastle forward Gayle and Middlesbrough frontman Assombalonga could score the goals to fire them to promotion in the Championship next season.

The Cottagers could hold out for at least £30million for Mitrovic and new manager Scott Parker would have funds to reinvest in the squad.

Gayle, 28, scored 24 goals on loan at West Brom in the Championship this season. Newcastle want £20m for former Crystal Palace striker.

Assombalonga, 26, found the net 14 times this season for Middlesbrough, who want to recoup the £15m they paid Nottingham Forest for him in 2017.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham/fulham-identify-aleksandar-mitrovic-replacements-after-setting-30m-price-for-striker-a4149611.html

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham making moves to sign Middlesbrough striker Britt Assombalonga

Britt Assombalonga is expected to leave Boro and could have a new Championship club in Scott Parker's Fulham.

Fulham see Middlesbrough striker Britt Assombalonga as the 'ideal' signing this summer as the Cottagers aim to make a success of their return to the Championship, according to the Northern Echo.

Despite the departure of manager Tony Pulis, with whom Assombalonga was rumoured to have a strained relationship, the club-record signing is still expected to leave the Riverside with a number of clubs expressing an interest in the £15 million man.

Sheffield United have made the former Nottingham Forest talisman a top priority and The Blades surely have an advantage over fellow suitors Fulham, given that Chris Wilder's side will be playing Premier League football next season.

Fulham should have plenty of funds to compete for Assombalonga's signature, however, given that they are expected to sell star striker Aleksander Mitrovic for at least £20 million.

And the 26-year-old could be Mitrovic's perfect replacement, given that he has an eye-catching record in the Championship.

Assombalonga has scored 28 league goals in two seasons in a pragmatic Boro side; just imagine the damage he could cause alongside Tom Cairney and co at Craven Cottage.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/05/23/do-report-fulham-making-moves-to-sign-middlesbrough-striker-brit/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham set sale price for Aleksandar Mitrovic

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored 11 Premier League goals last season.

The striker bought last summer (2018) for £22m (potentially rising to £27m) after a successful loan spell.

Fulham seeing Mitro as the man to lead them into the Premier League and not only stay up but compete.

The main weakness was horrific defending and Newcastle scoring four on the final day, meant that the Cottagers ended the season with a massive 81 goals conceded.

There was still much debate though amongst Fulham fans about the other end of the pitch, Aleksandar Mitrovic had scored 11 goals but with his lack of mobility meaning the team had to play a certain way, was he more part of the problem than the solution?

What Fulham fans could agree on, was that Aleksandar Mitrovic could/would command a significant transfer fee, if the club decided to sell him and help finance a rebuild.

The London Evening Standard are now reporting that Fulham could sell Mitro, if somebody meets their £30m valuation. With West am and Crystal Palace reportedly interested.

The newspaper claiming that if somebody does come up with that kind of money, Fulham are looking to reinvest it on two strikers from north east clubs.

They say that Fulham are willing to pay £20m for Dwight Gayle and £15m for Britt Assombalonga.

Assombalonga scored 14 goals for Middlesbrough last season and £15m would represent them getting the money back that they paid Forest for the striker.

Whilst £20m for Dwight Gayle who scored 24 Championship goals on loan at West Brom, would see Mike Ashley double his money that was paid to Palace in 2016.

As for Aleksandar Mitrovic, if he was sold for £30 this summer, it would mean that at the age of 24 he had already commanded transfer fees of at least £70m.

Mitro moving for £4m from Partizan to Anderlecht in 2013, to Newcastle for £14m in 2015, then for £22m (potentially rising to £27m) to Fulham in 2018.



https://www.themag.co.uk/2019/05/fulham-set-sale-price-for-aleksandar-mitrovic-newcastle-unied-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham identify north-east duo as potential Mitrovic replacements

Fulham are interested in signing Middlesbrough and Newcastle United forwards Britt Assombalonga and Dwight Gayle in the summer, according to reports from the Evening Standard.

The Cottagers are expected to lose star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in the summer following their relegation from the Premier League, with West Ham United and Crystal Palace lining up big-money moves for the Serbian.

And, it is believed that Fulham boss Scott Parker is keen to replace Mitrovic with two proven Championship forwards, in Boro's Assombalonga and Newcastle's Dwight Gayle.

The latter spent this season on loan with West Bromwich Albion, where he scored 24 goals in 41 games to help the Baggies finish in the play-offs, before they were knocked out by Aston Villa.

But Albion will not look to re-sign the 28-year-old on a permanent basis in the summer due to his high wage demands, which leaves the door open for Fulham to pounce.

Assombalonga has recently been attracting interest from newly-promoted Sheffield United – the 26-year-old scored 16 goals in 46 games for Boro this season, and has been their leading goalscorer for the last two seasons since joining from Nottingham Forest.

Fulham will be hoping for an immediate return to the top-flight next season, after being relegated to the Sky Bet Championship.

The Verdict

It would be a massive statement of intent by Fulham if they managed to sign both Gayle and Assombalonga in the summer.

Both players score goals for fun in the Championship, and they practically guarantee you at least 15 goals a season if you play to their strengths.

Fulham cannot fall into the same trap as Stoke, though, who bought so many quality Championship players in the summer, but ultimately finished in mid-table.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-identify-north-east-duo-as-potential-mitrovic-replacements/

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: Newcastle plot move to sign £6m Fulham player wanted by Benitez

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke

Newcastle are plotting a move to sign Fulham defender Joe Bryan this summer, Football Insider understands.

The north-east giants have held a long-term interest in Bryan and considered a move for the full-back prior to his move to Fulham from Bristol City last summer.

Fulham are now facing a fight to keep hold of their best players in the wake of relegation and a Newcastle source has told Football Insider the club are ready to test the Londoners' resolve to hang onto Bryan.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is looking to add another left-back to his ranks ahead of next season and is an admirer of the Fulham left-back.

Antonio Barreca set to return to Monaco after his loan spell at St James' Park and Bryan, who signed for Fulham for £6million last summer August, is among the Spanish manager's top targets.

Bryan would fit the bill for Benitez as he can play at left-back or left wing-back, with Newcastle playing with a system of advanced wide defenders during the last couple of months of the season.

The former Bristol City star made 29 appearances in all competitions for Fulham this season, but could not prevent them from suffering relegation from the Premier League.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-newcastle-plot-move-to-sign-6m-fulham-player-wanted-by-benitez/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham FC Chairman says it will 'create a world-class destination for fans and guests'



Fulham Football Club has announced that it has signed an agreement with lead contractor Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd on 22 May, for the demolition and development of the Riverside Stand, beginning this summer.

A message from the club's Charman, Shahid Khan, to supporters says: "The new stand will not only increase the seating capacity at Craven Cottage but also enhance amenities to the ground and locality for supporters, residents and visitors to enjoy."

Designed by architect Populous, the development will

transform the riverside walkway with a pathway that will allow an uninterrupted walk along the banks of the River Thames between Hammersmith and Putney Bridges.

The club believes that the design of the Riverside Stand is sympathetic to Fulham Football Club's location, the River Thames and the environment. It also states that importantly, "the Riverside development reaffirms Craven Cottage as the home of Fulham Football Club, both for now and future generations".

Throughout the two-year build, there will be ongoing consultation with key stakeholders, and regular updates on the progress of the development will be made available.

Shahid Khan's message says: "I am delighted to now be able to formally announce that our work on the Riverside Stand development will begin in earnest this summer.

"I understand today's announcement was many years in the making, but the right thing for all parties was to be deliberate, collaborative and thorough.

"I thank our supporters for their patience, and am especially grateful to all those who have worked tremendously hard behind the scenes to bring us to this point. The wait will be worth it.

"Craven Cottage is a unique and inspiring venue to not only play football, but to visit. As I noted upon becoming Chairman in 2013, it has always been my intention to follow through with the development of the Riverside Stand, and today's news brings that intention to reality.

"Make no mistake, the Riverside development will be a location like no other, a real game-changer for Fulham Football Club, our neighbourhood, and all of London. Our aim is to create a world-class destination for fans and guests to experience and enjoy, whilst retaining the charm that Craven Cottage exudes within our very own section of the River Thames.

" In doing so, we will also safeguard the Club's future at Craven Cottage, forever the rightful home for Fulham."

The club anounced in January this year that the renovation was scheduled to start at the end of the season, with the hope that the expansion of the 4,689-seater stand would be complete in time for the 2021/22 season.

The stand is is being rebuilt with a two-tiered replacement, pictured above, which will see the stadium's capacity increase from 25,700 to close to 30,000.

While the £100 million works are underway, Fulham will continue playing at their Craven Cottage home at a reduced capacity.



http://www.fulhamsw6.com/default.asp?section=info&page=fulhamfc1905.htm

[WhiteJC]

Report: Liverpool think Ryan Sessegnon more likely to head to Tottenham

Liverpool and Spurs have both been linked with Ryan Sessegnon despite his Premier League relegation with Fulham.

Liverpool would love to sign Fulham flyer Ryan Sessegnon this summer. But, according to Goal, the Premier League runners-up are convinced that the England U21 international is on his way to Tottenham Hotspur instead.

The 19-year-old remains one of the most coveted young talents in British football despite a difficult first season in the Premier League which ended in Fulham's relegation.

Sessegnon, Championship Player of the Year in 2018, did not quite live up to lofty expectations in the top flight, even if he still produced six assists for his struggling side.

Nonetheless, The Mail reports that Tottenham are still keen on a long-time transfer target and are looking to conclude a £25 million deal as soon as possible – even if Fulham value their prized asset at closer to £40 million.

And Spurs fans should be encouraged by suggestions that Liverpool are turning their attention to alternative options. The Reds apparently believe that Sessegnon will be a Tottenham player by the end of this summer.

Liverpool have already missed out on Thorgan Hazard and Julian Brandt, who both joined Borussia Dortmund this week, and it seems that Sessegnon is out of their reach too.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/05/23/report-liverpool-think-ryan-sessegnon-more-likely-to-head-to-tot/

[WhiteJC]

Everton's attack would receive a superior edge if they sign this burly 11-goal spearhead to replace Tosun

Everton Opinion: Mitrovic signing will strengthen this Toffees attack

According to a recent report by Sky Sports, Merseyside giants Everton are said to be extremely keen on signing Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic as they look to upgrade on their current attacking options.

Cenk Tosun was touted to be the number one at the start of the season but as the campaign progressed, his flaws slowly began to surface a majority of the responsibility fell onto the shoulders of young Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Everton's struggles in front of goal this season certainly haven't been a secret and despite the presence young talented players, they haven't been able to find a solution to their problems.

While various possibilities have been considered, the most effective method to go about it seemed to be by using Calvert-Lewin as the target man.

Having only come to the realisation in the second part of the league campaign, Everton dropped a multitude of unnecessary points along the way.

Due to Tosun's apparent inability to score a goal, Marco Silva was forced to resort to utilising young Brazilian star Richarlison in the striker's role. Although this did play dividends until a certain point, their inconsistency was going forward remained an issue.

Mitrovic was one of the few shining lights in a rather dysfunctional Fulham side this season. Their dream return to the top-flight ended in relegation and all the investment that was put into the side prior to the commencement of the campaign has effectively gone down the drain.

The 24-year-old is a full Serbian international, who has collected 47 caps and managed to score 23 goals by his efforts as well.

Since joining Fulham from Newcastle United on a permanent basis last season, he has become the first-choice centre-forward at Craven Cottage but despite his best efforts, he wasn't able to keep the cottagers up.

Having made the switch after a brief loan spell at the Cottage, the Serbian international striker scored 11 goals from 37 league appearances for Fulham this campaign.

He even managed to provide 3 assists for his teammates and was integral in the build-up play as he participated in more than 40% of their total goals.

With Everton's striker woes quite clear to see, this move would be one that makes sense for both the player and the club. While Everton have always been a club shooting for big things in the Premier League, Mitrovic is also too good to be wasting his resources in the lower division.

This man could be the striker that Marco Silva has been waiting for and despite the cost, it's a move that they should try and see through.



https://www.mediareferee.com/2019/05/23/evertons-attack-would-receive-a-superior-edge-if-they-sign-this-burly-11-goal-spearhead-to-replace-tosun/

[WhiteJC]

Newcastle consider Fulham full-back - with or without Rafa

NEWCASTLE UNITED are prepared to target Fulham full-back Joe Bryan regardless of whether Rafa Benitez extends his stay on Tyneside.

The 25-year-old defender has been monitored closely by the Magpies over the last couple of years and the Cottagers' relegation to the Championship has raised the prospect of him leaving.

Bryan only moved to West London last August when Fulham pipped competition for his signature by paying Bristol City £6m for him.

Newcastle were one of those clubs interested in him but there was a reluctance to spend money on the squad before players were offloaded.

A shortage in the left-back area was never really solved and Newcastle made a January move for Monaco's Antonio Barreca.

That loan deal, with a view to an £8m switch this summer, did not prove successful and he only appeared on the bench three times so has been told he will be returning to France.

Newcastle are now looking at that area to strengthen again and Bryan, who the club's scouting and recruitment team know all about, is prominent in their thinking.

Benitez, who has had further talks this week and more are expected on Friday, is still to sign an extension but there have still been discussions about possible signings.

Bryan is one of those who Newcastle know Benitez likes, while he is also a relatively young man who has the potential to increase his resale value in line with how owner Mike Ashley likes to operate.

The Bristolian, who had spells on loan with Plymouth and Bath before establishing himself in the first team at Ashton Gate, now has the experience of Premier League football behind him.

He played 30 times for Fulham during a campaign that ended in relegation and the Cottagers would like to keep him but would have to consider offers if they arrived.

Fulham's preference is to cash in on the Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon, who they value at the £30m and £40m mark respectively.

Newcastle fans are expecting to hear sooner rather than later whether Benitez has reached an agreement over fresh terms with Ashley.

And, even though there has not been any immediate rush to get things tied up on either part, the signs are encouraging after Benitez's representatives are understood to have informed Roma and Marseille that he is not interested in either post.

Marseille's interest in the Spaniard has been mentioned already In recent weeks, but the departure of Rudi Garcia has heightened their interest.

Benitez, though, has not given them much encouragement and reports in France claim that he has told Marseille he is focused on trying to sign a new deal at St James' Park.

Benitez and Ashley had a meeting last Friday and the dialogue has continued since then. Neither party is concerned by the length it is taking to get things wrapped up and those talks look set to carry over into next week.



https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/17660411.magpies-consider-cottagers-full-back-with-or-without-rafa/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham get Craven Cottage go-ahead

On Wednesday 22nd May 2019, Fulham Football Club supporters finally got the news they've been waiting for since initially obtaining planning permission in 2013; the redevelopment of the Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage will open up over 4000 more seats. While Tony Khan has taken the wheels of the on-pitch business at Fulham FC, his father Shahid and Alistair Mackintosh have been working hard to get this development to go ahead. In his statement, Shahid Khan said of our Mackintosh, "your CEO, Alistair Mackintosh, has my complete respect and appreciation for keeping this challenging yet rewarding project on task, and I ask that you join me in thanking him for being a champion not only for the new Riverside Stand but for all things that represent your club."

Craven Cottage's eccentric position on the banks of the Thames makes this a more complicated job than most, and while the Johnny Haynes stand is a Grade II* listed building, you'd like to think that makes that part of the ground absolutely untouchable. The potential of working with the Hammersmith and Putney End's too come with their own uncertainty with the block of apartments behind the HammyEnd(.com) and the Putney having the grand old Cottage to its side meaning this is a very rare and exciting opportunity for Fulham to redevelop and expand; this did lead to some changes in design as Shahid Khan wanted to ensure that if they're going to do it, it has to be maximised and done right.

Shahid Khan's ambition in this £100m redevelopment states his intent at this football club (though I'm sure the tickets will continue to be extortionate – another issue for another post) and that Fulham Football Club's future is to remain at Craven Cottage for the foreseeable future. Craven Cottage's increase to over 29,600 seats will take Fulham from the 7th highest capacity to 5th (at least until Crystal Palace's development starts and finishes) while the Cottage will jump to become the 33rd biggest club football ground in the United Kingdom. We've not heard too much officially from the club, but lets not forget either that Shahid Khan's also financed the purchase of the old BBC Sports grounds to build a state of the art training facility for the first team whilst the current training base at Motspur Park will home the academy and Fulham FC Foundation.

While Fulham's return to the Premier League wasn't quite in mind, by the completion of the stand (the club hopes the 2021/22 season) and the development of the training ground, Shahid Khan is ensuring that Fulham's facilities are of Premier League standard and quality. With £100m spent (or misspent) with promotion, £100m on a new stand and god knows how much on the training ground, you can't deny Khan's investment in the football club. As the modern English football league is becoming more and more monopolised, Fulham are making all the right off-the-pitch investments to maintain a place as a high as they can on the footballing food-chain.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/05/fulham-get-craven-cottage-go-ahead/

[WhiteJC]

Spurs given clear run to sign Sessegnon

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have been given a clear run at signing Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon after Liverpool pulled out of the race, per Goal.

What's the word?

Sessegnon endured a mixed season at the Cottagers in 2018-19, with Scott Parker's men ultimately relegated to the Championship.

However, he played 38 times in all competitions and is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in English football.

Liverpool had been linked with the 18-year-old but Goal now claim that Reds officials believe that he will instead move to Spurs this summer.

Mauricio Pochettino, of course, has a track record of working wonders with young players and the London Evening Standard has previously reported that Sessegnon is keen to work with the Argentine.

No great coup

This may be seen as a coup for Spurs, with Liverpool the second-best team in England, but Sessegnon is something of an enigma.

He doesn't really have a fixed position – he has played at left-back and on the left wing sporadically for Fulham – and while he is an explosive dribbler, he is unlikely to dislodge either Danny Rose or Son Heung-Min from Pochettino's starting XI.

There is perhaps a reason, then, that the Reds are so ready to call time on their pursuit; he would not get in their side straight away and is surely viewed as an option that can be ignored.

That, alone, should set alarm bells ringing in north London.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/tottenham/spurs-given-clear-run-to-sign-sessegnon

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Exclusive: Tottenham submit £20m+ bid for player

EXCLUSIVE

Tottenham have submitted a bid for Fulham sensation Ryan Sessegnon, Football Insider understands.

The Champions League finalists are keen on signing the 18-year-old sensation this summer as they look to take advantage of Fulham's relegation and his contract situation.

Football Insider reported last week that Spurs had opened preliminary talks over a deal for Sessegnon and they have now tabled an offer.

A Spurs source has told Football Insider that the bid is worth more than £20million for the teenager, whose deal with the west Londoners expires next summer.

There is also strong competition for Sessegnon from Manchester United, RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain but the north Londoners are hopeful their growing attraction as an elite destination can swing the deal their way.

Fulham have tried to extend Sessegnon's contract beyond 2020 but talks have collapsed and there is no sense at Craven Cottage he will still be at the club beyond the summer.

Tottenham are keen to sign a number of home-grown English youngsters aged under 23 this summer and, as revealed by Football Insider early yesterday, they are preparing a bid for Leeds United teenage winger Jack Clarke.

Sessegnon has the attraction of being able to play multiple positions, including left-back, right-sided attack and his favourite left wing role.

He won the Championship Player of the Year gong for his matchwinning contributions in Fulham's promotion season last campaign but found life in the top flight more difficult.

He has been in and out of the side in 2018-19, scoring two goals and supplying six assists from 38 appearances in all competitions.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-tottenham-submit-20m-bid-for-player/

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Fulham targeting La Liga defender, contacts made, player fancies the move

As Fulham prepare their big changes for the Championship season, they've reportedly found one of their first targets for the transfer window.

According to El Desmarque in Spain, the club are interested in Levante defender Chema. They've targeted him as a player who can help their plans of returning to the Premier League.

It's said the Whites have already made contact with the player's entourage. And the response is pretty positive, since the defender believes it would be a good move for his career.

With only 1410 minutes played this season, Chema hasn't been much used by Levante, so although El Desmarque doesn't say how much will he cost, it doesn't sound like the Spanish side will make his departure very difficult.

Chema is mainly a central defender, but is also able to play at right back, so would give a little versatility to Fulham if he joins.

The reports sounds positive for the Cottagers' chances.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-targeting-la-liga-defender-contacts-made-player-fancies-move/

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Report: Fulham make their demand for Everton and West Ham target

West Ham United and Everton have learned that Fulham have reportedly placed a £30 million price tag on Aleksandar Mitrovic's head.

The relegated Premier League club are preparing for life back in the Championship, with the Serbia international highly unlikely to remain at Craven Cottage.

The 24-year-old had a good season on a personal level, scoring 11 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions.

The star has more than proved himself in the Premier League and both Everton and West Ham have recently been linked with his services.

Despite Fulham's relegation though, the club still want to make money on Mitrovic, and the Toffees (interest reported by Sky Sports) and the Hammers (interest reported by The Evening Standard) will need to fork out £30 million to get him as reported by The Evening Standard.

TBR's view

£30 million seems quite steep for a player who has been relegated with his club.

It is understandable Fulham want to keep their player but at the same time he is a valuable asset that, if sold, can help set them up nicely for life back in the Championship.

West Ham are also looking at Salomon Rondon who has a £16.5 million release clause, which may mean Everton are the slightly more likely destination for Mitrovic, who currently earns £60,000-a-week according to Spotrac.

Cenk Tosun is likely to leave Goodison Park and the former Newcastle United man could be a like-for-like replacement.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-fulham-make-their-demand-for-everton-and-west-ham-target/

[WhiteJC]

Relegated Fulham looking to buy Championship hotshot – one hitch in way

According to Sky Sports Transfer Centre (18:18), Fulham are looking to fire themselves back to the Premier League and are wanting Dwight Gayle to lead that charge.

However, there's just one problem standing in the way – Aleksandar Mitrovic. The problem that Fulham face in their intention to land hotshot Gayle is that they need to move 24-year-old Serbian Mitrovic on first.

Mitrovic, who cost Fulham nearly £19m from Newcastle United, secured a full-time move to Craven Cottage ahead of last season. He went on to notch 11 goals and provide three assists in a season that saw the Cottagers fail to avoid the drop.

It's very unlikely Mitrovic will be willing to plough through another Sky Bet Championship campaign like he did when on an initial loan at Fulham before his permanent move there. Still, the value that Fulham place on his head, a value of £30million, is a fee that only a Premier League side would be looking to pay out.

It is a fee of that magnitude that Fulham will use to buy Newcastle United's Dwight Gayle. 28-year-old centre forward Gayle has proven his worth yet again in the second tier of English football whilst on a season-long loan at West Brom.

In 39 appearances, Gayle scored 23 goals and added eight assists for the Baggies in a campaign that saw them hit the play-offs before losing out in a penalty shoot-out against local rivals Aston Villa.

Buying Gayle outright from Newcastle would give Fulham that goal threat that they will need to fire them back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking. First though, they need to get rid of Aleksandar Mitrovic and bring in £30million.



https://the72.co.uk/132040/relegated-fulham-looking-to-buy-championship-hotshot-one-hitch-in-way/