Saturday Fulham Stuff - 06/07/19...

[WhiteJC]

Phil Hay issues Pontus Jansson transfer update after recent speculation

Leeds United have not had any serious offers for defender Pontus Jansson despite reports suggesting he was attracting interest from Fulham.

As well as that, the 28-year-old's future has been thrown into doubt after it was revealed that Jansson will not return to training for another week, even though the rest of his Whites teammates, including those who were on international duty, are back at Thorp Arch.

Therefore, the Swedish defender is set to miss Leeds' tour to Australia, where they will play Manchester United as one of two friendlies Down Under.

That, combined with the Telegraph confirming the Cottagers interest in Jansson, has left fans of the Yorkshire club concerned the influential former Malmo man will be off.

However, reporter Phil Hay responded to a question from a fan insisting that no concrete offers have come in.

"No serious approaches for him as far as I'm aware."

There's sure to be further interest in Jansson if he does become available, with the player himself stating that he has had plenty of offers to leave Elland Road in the past when speaking earlier this year.

The Verdict

This will be a relief for Leeds fans as every supporter knows just how important Jansson is to the team, so they will be desperate for him to stay.

Yet, something isn't quite right with the player and the club now and it makes no sense that he is still not back at training.

So, Hay's update about no formal bids might not last for long if buying clubs know that the centre-back is available.

Either way, Leeds need to sort this situation and they need to do all they can to ensure Jansson is lining up for the side when they kick-off against Bristol City in early August.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/phil-hay-issues-pontus-jansson-transfer-update-after-recent-speculation/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham full-back linked with surprise move to Sporting Lisbon

A report from the Daily Mirror has claimed that Fulham defender Cyrus Christie is attracting the attention of Portuguese Primera Liga side Sporting Lisbon.

The summer transfer window brings around some left of field transfers and some even more strange transfer rumours, and the latest one reported by the Daily Mirror is likely to raise a few eyebrows.

It has been reported that Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon are keeping a close eye on Fulham full-back Cyrus Christie ahead of the start of the new Primera Liga season. Christie, who has two years still remaining on his contract at Craven Cottage has reportedly had his head turned by interest from Sporting Lisbon and would be interested in making a move to the Portuguese outfit.

Fulham boss Scott Parker has a task on his hands ahead of the 2019/20 Championship season, as he looks to head into the new season with a strong side. A number of first-team stars such as Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon look likely to make moves away from the club this summer, with Ryan Babel already making a move away.

Now, it seems that Cyrus Christie could be one of the players heading for the exit as well, with European interest being reported.

Christie joined Fulham in January 2018 after a year and a half with Middlesbrough. The Republic of Ireland international has spent his entire career playing in England, coming through the youth academy with Coventry City before going onto play for Derby County, Middlesbrough and Fulham. In total, Christie has played 301 career matches (Transfermarkt), with more than half of them coming in the Championship.

With interest from Sporting Lisbon there, it could be interesting to see if Christie is tempted to Portugal for a new challenge or if he remains with Scott Parker's side for next season.



https://the72.co.uk/137608/fulham-full-back-linked-with-surprise-move-to-sporting-lisbon/

[WhiteJC]

Hector on Fulham's radar

Fulham are considering a loan move for Chelsea centre back Michael Hector, according to reports this morning.

Scott Parker and the Fulham hierarchy have made signing another centre back a priority as they look to strengthen their squad for another assault on the Championship this year. The Whites have already been linked with a host of Championship central defenders, including Brentford's Erzi Konsa and Pontus Jansson of Leeds United, as well as defenders from overseas.

Hector, who is currently on international duty with Jamaica at the Gold Cup, is likely to be sent out on loan by Chelsea again this term. He has not made a single first-team appearance since move to Stamford Bridge from Reading in 2015. He has had sixteen loan spells during the course of career, the last of which was at Sheffield Wednesday last season. Fulham may face competition from the Owls for the 26 year-old signature, with Wednesday reportedly in talks with Chelsea over signing Hector on a permanent basis.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/07/hector-on-fulhams-radar/

[WhiteJC]

Hayles to the (Assistant) Chief

Former Premier League striker heads to Merstham

Merstham yesterday announced that former Jamaica international striker Barry Hayles would be Frank Wilson's new Assistant at Moatside.

Hayles, who began his career with Stevenage in Non League before being signed by Bristol Rovers aged twenty five, eventually found himself in the Premier League with Fulham, and remained a professional until he went back to his Non League roots aged thirty eight. Now aged forty seven, he's continued to play since his professional days came to an end, and who knows, might still be tempted to pull on his boots if the strikers at Moatside don't do what they should!

In a stellar playing career he became a hero at Fulham, a big part of their Championship winning side under Jean Tigana. He also turned out for Leicester City, Millwall, Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield United, amongst others.

Here's hoping he has the kind of relationship with Wilson that he had with Tigana, who he cites as the best manager he worked with, and not the kind he had with Neil Warnock at Sheffield United, who he is clear was the worst manager he ever played for. In an interview with the Telegraph in February 2018 he described Warnock thus:

"We had a very brief relationship at Sheffield United. He bought me, gave me a three year contract then, four games in, I missed a chance against Reading. Next thing I know he's sold me to Millwall. OK, these things happen. But he's told everyone I've demanded a move because I don't like northerners. I never even wanted to leave. He stitched me right up. When I went back to play there with Millwall I got stretchered off and had to go round the entire pitch, getting pelted. I got so much abuse from the Sheffield United fans it was ridiculous. When he was Crystal Palace manager, I played there with Leicester. I scored the winner and made sure I celebrated in front of his dug out."



http://www.isthmian.co.uk/hayles-to-the-assistant-chief-57667

[WhiteJC]

Fulham fear losing Harvey Elliott as big clubs circle


Wanted | Fulham's teenage star Harvey Elliott ( AFP/Getty Images/Ian Kington )

Fulham fear their teenage sensation Harvey Elliott will quit Craven Cottage this summer.

Elliott, who became the youngest ever Premier League player aged 16 years and 30 days in May, has failed to agree a new contract and Fulham are powerless to prevent him leaving.

Interest in the teenager has subsequently grown, with Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid and RB Leipzig among the clubs believed to be monitoring his situation.

Fulham will be due millions in compensation if Elliott stays in England but that figure would be reduced significantly if he chooses to move abroad.

Losing the England Under-17 international would be a major blow for Fulham given his potential.

Elliott is one of the brightest young prospects in Europe and Fulham manager Scott Parker has lavished praise on him. Parker has described him as an "unbelievable talent" and promised he will join the Fulham first-team squad in the Championship next season if he stays.

Elliott became Fulham's youngest player when he made his debut at Millwall in the Carabao Cup last September when he was 15 and 174 days old. He was born in 2003.

Fulham want him to fulfil his potential at Craven Cottage. They have not given up hope that he will agree a new contract but it looks increasingly likely he will leave.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fear-losing-harvey-elliott-as-big-clubs-circle-a4183126.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham looking to beat Sheffield Wednesday to sign Chelsea defender

Fulham are keen on Chelsea defender Michael Hector.

The Cottagers want to strengthen their defensive options by landing the 26-year-old, according to journalist Tom Barclay on Twitter.

Hector, who is a Jamaica international with 24 caps under his belt, is set to leave Chelsea on a permanent deal this summer with him being way down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

The 6ft 4inc centre-back spent last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and impressed for the Owls. Steve Bruce's side are interested in signing him but face competition from fellow Championship side Fulham for his signature now.

Hector had spells as a youngster at Thurrock and Millwall before joining Reading. He went onto make 63 appearances for the Royals and also had loan spells away at Dundalk, Barnet, Aldershot Town and Aberdeen, amongst others.

Chelsea signed him in September 2015 in a surprise move but he is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Premier League giants.

Instead, Hector has enjoyed loan spells away at Reading, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hull City and Wednesday since moving to Stamford Bridge.

Fulham are yet to sign anyone since their relegation from the Premier League in the last campaign but Scott Parker is keen on bringing in some players to prepare for next season.

Defensive reinforcements are a priority for the London side and they have their sights set on Hector now.



https://the72.co.uk/137641/fulham-looking-to-beat-sheffield-wednesday-to-sign-chelsea-defender/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham youngster attracting interest from host of European clubs

Fulham youngster Harvey Elliott is attracting interest from a whole host of European clubs according to The Evening Standard.

Elliott became the Premier League's youngest ever player at just 16 years and 30 days in May and the Cottagers now fear they may lose one of their brightest young talents.

Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona are among the elite clubs who are all monitoring the teenage sensation and Fulham could be on the verge of having the youngster prized away by one of the European heavyweights.

Elliott and Fulham have been in discussions regarding a new contract but they have failed to agree terms and the London side are now in danger of losing the midfielder.

Fulham boss Scott Parker has promised Elliott that he will be a huge part of their first team plans next season should he stay but negotiations over a new contract are now at a standstill.

Should the 16-year-old leave, Fulham would be due millions in compensation if he leaves to join an English side however he decides on a move abroad this amount would be significantly reduced.

Losing one of the hottest prospects outside the Premier League would provide a huge blow to Fulham as they look to bounce straight back to the top flight following their relegation last season.

The England Under-17 international has had praise lavished on him by his current manager who has described him as an "unbelievable talent" and confirmed his plans to allow him to enter the first team fray.

Following his debut Parker said: "He is a technically gifted football player. A special talent. He has got a naturalness about him, an ease. He is very clean with the ball, can handle the ball very well for someone so young."

It is clear that the Cottagers would love to retain Elliott but they must now work hard to resolve his current contract situation or risk losing him completely.



https://the72.co.uk/137664/fulham-youngster-attracting-interest-from-host-of-european-clubs/

[WhiteJC]

Sheffield Wednesday: Fulham emerge as major rivals to Owls in pursuit of Chelsea defender
Fulham are believed to have upped their efforts to land Chelsea defender Michael Hector, and could rival Sheffield Wednesday for the Jamaica international.

The powerhouse centre-back was Wednesday's stand-out player on his loan spell from the Blues last season, with his domineering defensive displays – especially those in the Steel City derby - making him a real fan's favourite.

Owls boss Steve Bruce has made it clear that he's eager to bring Hector back to Hillsborough for the upcoming campaign, but has admitted that striking a deal could become difficult if Chelsea demand a high price for their player – ideally, Wednesday could look to secure another loan deal, ahead of a permanent transfer upon his contract expiry in 2020.

According to Football League World, Fulham have now entered the race to land the 26-year-old, as they look to solve the defensive issues that saw them plummet straight back to the Championship after a woeful 2018/19 season in the Premier League.

Owls fans should, however, take comfort from the recent rumours that Fulham boss Scott Parker is eager on landing Brentford's £12 million-rated defender Ezri Konsa, who could be a more tempting option for the Whites.

It is also worth noting that the bookies still make Hector odds-on to join the Owls (with Fulham some way off at 4/1), but the opportunity to remain in west London with the Cottagers could prove an alluring option for the former Reading ace.

Wednesday are likely to continue their prudent approach to the transfer market throughout the summer, as Bruce looks to sign quality players at low-cost prices, as well as looking into the possibility of loan deals.



https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/latest-owls-news/sheffield-wednesday-fulham-emerge-as-major-rivals-to-owls-in-pursuit-of-chelsea-defender-423670

[WhiteJC]

Panic over teenage sensation as Liverpool, Barça and Real Madrid circle – report

Liverpool are said to be one of several footballing giants monitoring the progress of Fulham teenage sensation Harvey Elliott.

The teenager became the youngest player to ever play in the Premier League when he made his debut back in Spring aged just 16 years and 30 days.

Interest in the youngster has subsequently grown, with Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Red Bull Leipzig among the clubs believed to be monitoring his situation – as per the Evening Standard.

Fulham will receive considerable windfall if the attacking midfielder moves to another English club, but that potential figure would be dramatically reduced if he goes abroad.

The Cottagers want him to fulfil his potential at Craven Cottage, and they have not given up hope that he will agree a new contract, but it's looking as if he will leave for pastures new.

Liverpool have already recruited a young talent this summer in Sepp van den Berg, and a move for Elliott certainly isn't out of the question.

Bayern Munich and Ajax were desperate to sign the Netherlands U23s star, but van den Berg has been convinced to link up with fellow countrymen at Virgil van Dijk, Gini Wijnaldum and Ki-Jana Hoever at Anfield.

Elliott could link up with some of the most promising rising stars at Anfield in Hoever, Joe Gomez and now van den Berg. Keep your eyes peeled on this one, Reds.



https://www.empireofthekop.com/2019/07/05/panic-over-teenage-sensation-as-liverpool-barca-and-real-madrid-circle-report/

[WhiteJC]

Europa League side considering move for Fulham defender

Sporting Lisbon are reportedly interested in signing Fulham right-back Cyrus Christie this summer, according to The Mirror's live transfer blog (05/04, 00:04).

Christie only made the move to Fulham in the January window of the 2017/18 season, in which they won promotion via the play-offs, but with just two years remaining on his contract the Portuguese giants are ready to test the South-Londoners' resolve.

Last season saw the 26-year-old make 28 appearances in the Premier League as Fulham were emphatically relegated back to the Championship after just one season.

Slavisa Jokanovic splashed out just over £3million to bring him to Craven Cottage after just half a season with Middlesbrough.

Before which, he had plied his trade with Derby County and Coventry City and could now be set for his first move abroad.

Fulham face an interesting summer as Scott Parker looks to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion at the first time of asking.

But as of yet, no new faces have arrived although three have left, with Ryan Babel leaving on a free transfer to sign for Galatasaray whilst Lazar Markovic and Berti Schötterl have been released.

The verdict

This is a strange rumour to emerge but a worrying one for Fulham to contend with.

After such a busy summer last year, the squad that won them promotion, and had plenty of Championship experience, was diluted and disbanded.

Christie is one player who maintained his place in the squad and as a result could be crucial in Fulham's attempts to win promotion again next season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/europa-league-side-considering-move-for-fulham-defender/

[WhiteJC]

Academy Contract Extensions

The Club can confirm that Jayden Harris, Tyrese Francois, Moritz Jenz, Nicolas Santos-Clase and Taye Ashby-Hammond have extended their contracts.

The Under-23s regulars have signed an extension after impressing for the most part in Mark Pembridge's PL2 side.

Harris performed well from his unnatural wide position last season, contributing five goals. Santos-Clase played on the opposite flank to Harris for large parts and matched his teammate's goal tally.

Francois capped off an excellent season at the base of the midfield by being nominated for April's Player of the Month.

Jenz continued at the heart of the U23s' defence performing solidly next to a combination of the other centre halves. Ashby-Hammond spent the back end of the season on loan before returning for the beginning of pre-season.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/july/05/academy-contract-extensions

[WhiteJC]

Harvey Elliott could leave Fulham

Fulham youngster Harvey Elliott could be set to leave the club, with Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid and RB Leipzig among the clubs to be interested, Sky Sports News understands

The 16-year-old has rejected a contract at Fulham and hasn't been named in the club's new intake of scholars.

He made his Fulham debut aged 15 in a Carabao Cup game against Millwall at the start of last season.

Fulham boss Scott Parker also gave Elliott his Premier League debut last season, describing him as an 'unbelievable talent'.

He became the club's youngest ever player to player in the Premier League at 16 years and 30 days when he came on as an 88th-minute substitute in a 1-0 away defeat to Wolves.




https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11757469/harvey-elliott-could-leave-fulham

[WhiteJC]

Colin Calderwood looks ahead to Cambridge United's pre-season opener against Fulham

The U's will play the Championship side in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday, July 6

Colin Calderwood hopes Cambridge United's pre-season opener against Fulham will cap off a productive week of training.

The U's travel to south-west London tomorrow for a behind-closed-doors friendly against the Championship outfit, having completed their second week of training at Clare College Sports Ground.

And United's head coach is looking forward to a tough test against the Cottagers.

"It looks like an attractive game and it'll be a tough game in all sorts of ways," he said.

"We're looking forward to it, but it's a training session.

"It'll be two 45-minute sections, and most boys will do 45.

"We'll continue the work today [Friday]. We won't prepare for a game like we normally do because it's only a short period tomorrow [Saturday, July 6].

"[We'll have a] training day today, a training day tomorrow and get everyone time on the pitch with somebody else, get the rules out, have a proper referee, real good opposition and it'll bring to an end - fingers crossed everyone gets through - a really good week."

Calderwood went on to explain how he intends to ramp up the intensity in training and games to ensure that his players can last the full 90 by time they travel to Scotland.

"It's a normal start, most teams will play a 45-minute game," he continued.

"I  think our boys would certainly be able to cope with more than that tomorrow, they're in nice condition at the minute, but it's a good start.

"The following week, we'll play for a longer period.

"By time we get to Scotland, we'll be playing 90 minutes as much as possible."

He added: "The reason for spaces and fewer games is to give you that conditioning to last in games.

"At the minute, no team will be fresh going into these games.

"But we want them to work with intensity for the times that they are on the pitch.

"[We'll start with] 45s tomorrow [Saturday], leading into 60s next week and then as quickly into 90 as possible so they feel as if they can last, which they will be able to do come the start of the season."




https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/sport/colin-calderwood-looks-ahead-cambridge-16539867

[WhiteJC]

Fulham prospect Elliott rejects contract

A number of top clubs have been linked with the highly-rated 16-year-old, who made his Whites debut in a Carabao Cup tie at Millwall last September, when he was still 15.

At 16 years and 30 days, he became the youngest-ever Premier League player when he came on as a late substitute in Fulham's defeat against Wolves in May.

The club have been keen to cement his future at Craven Cottage but now face the prospect of losing him.

Meanwhile, Fulham have announced that youngsters Jayden Harris, Tyrese Francois, Moritz Jenz, Nicolas Santos-Clase and Taye Ashby-Hammond have extended their contracts.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-prospect-elliott-rejects-contract

[WhiteJC]

Fulham interested in signing proven Championship centre-backs

Fulham are reportedly interested in signing centre-backs Ezri Konsa and Michael Hector, according to Tom Barclay of the Sun.

The duo were both impressive in the second tier last season for Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday respectively and with Scott Parker keen to bolster his defensive options, have been made targets for the summer.

Hector spent the 2018/19 campaign on loan with Sheffield Wednesday, racking up 37 appearances and picking up the club's player of the season award as he became a fan-favourite at Hillsborough.

Konsa only made the move to Griffin Park a year ago when the Bees paid just Charlton Athletic just over £2.5million for his services, going on to make 42 appearances under Dean Smith and Thomas Frank.

Fulham face an interesting summer as Scott Parker looks to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion at the first time of asking.

But as of yet, no new faces have arrived although three have left, with Ryan Babel leaving on a free transfer to sign for Galatasaray whilst Lazar Markovic and Berti Schötterl have been released.

The verdict

The would be absolutely excellent signings for Fulham as well as being a serious statement of intent.

Konsa and Hector were arguably the Championship's two best centre-backs outside of the top-six last season and if Parker is able to land both of them it would be a serious coup.

Under Jokanovic, Ranieri and Parker, Fulham's defence was absolutely dreadful last season so it is vital that players are signed who they know will perform in the Championship and possibly higher.

It may cost them a fair bit, but I think it would be well worth whatever they have to pay.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-interested-in-signing-proven-championship-centre-backs/

[WhiteJC]

2 pros and 2 cons to Fulham sealing 26-y/o move

With Fulham's return to the Championship edging ever closer, boss Scott Parker will unquestionably be looking to bolster his squad following what was a tumultuous 2018/19 campaign in the Premier League.

Considering the fact that the Cottagers conceded 81 goals in just 38 matches in the top-flight, it is not at all surprising that the 38-year-old is being linked with a move for a new central defender.

According to Sun journalist Tom Barclay, Fulham are reportedly interested in signing Michael Hector from Chelsea.

If this is indeed true, it is imperative that Parker considers both the positives and the negatives that the Jamaican international could have on the club's fortunes next season before committing to a switch.

Keeping this in mind, we have set out two pros as well as two cons to the Cottagers sealing a move for Hector based on his career to date.

Check them out below...

Pros

He was excellent for Sheffield Wednesday last season
A star performer for Sheffield Wednesday last season, Hector's domineering presence at the back for Steve Bruce's side allowed the club to secure a top-half finish in the Championship.

Whereas the likes of Steven Fletcher and Barry Bannan drifted in and out of form for the Owls, the 26-year-old's relentless dedication to giving his all throughout his loan spell at Hillsborough resulted in him rightfully being named as the club's Player of the Year in May.

Now back at Chelsea, Hector may be tempted to make a permanent move to the Championship as he is very unlikely to overtake David Luiz, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta in the pecking order next season.

Therefore, if he does indeed become available for transfer, Parker should definitely consider swooping for him as he could add some real quality to his current roster of players.

He knows exactly what it takes to perform on a consistent basis at Championship level
Considering that Alfie Mawson and Maxime Le Marchand have only made four Championship appearances between them during their careers, Hector's wealth of experience in this particular division could turn out to be highly beneficial for the Cottagers if he does join.

With over 150 games under his belt in the second-tier, the former Reading ace knows exactly what it takes to thrive in what is arguably one of the toughest leagues in world football.

If he can replicate the form that he illustrated for Wednesday in a Fulham shirt over the coming years, he could very well become a favourite amongst the club's supporters.

Cons

He has already garnered a reputation to being somewhat of journeyman
Despite having only made his Football League debut eight years ago whilst on loan at Barnet from Reading, Hector has already garnered a reputation for being somewhat of a journeyman which could be a concern for Fulham.

Since his short spell with the Bees, the defender has represented nine more sides with Chelsea shipping him out on for each of the last four seasons.

Given his struggles to find a home at one particular club, it wouldn't be a shock if he ends up failing to fit in at Fulham.

He certainly won't be cheap to acquire
Following a hugely impressive campaign with the Owls, Hector's value is arguably at an all-time high and therefore if Fulham are looking to bring to him in between now and August, they may have to pay over the odds to lure him away from Chelsea

Although there is no doubting that the defender possesses a wide array of skills, it would still be a risk to splash the cash on him as there are no guarantees that he will fit Parker's possession-based system at Craven Cottage.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-pros-and-2-cons-to-fulham-sealing-26-y-o-move/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham must go all out to secure a loan deal for this 21-year-old ace after a defensive horror show last season

Fulham Opinion – Cottagers keen on Ezri Konsa – Good Move?

According to a report in Sky Sports, newly-relegated Fulham are interested in signing Brentford centre-back Ezri Konsa on a loan deal during this transfer window.

The Cottagers are evidently looking to strengthen their central defensive department after a horror show at the back last season. For that reason, they are eyeing the 21-year-old to help them in this possible revival. (h/t Sky Sports)

As of now, Konsa has two years remaining on his contract with the Bees, with an option to extend for another year.

His contract does have a release clause of £12m and Wolves were interested in paying that. However, Brentford had other contractual protections in place. (h/t Sky Sports)

The England U21 international has been in great form over the past few months and is deservedly getting attention from several clubs. Here's why Fulham signing him would help them massively in the promotion push:

Konsa's defensive quality would help the Cottagers

At a tender age of 21, Ezri Konsa has become a quality defender for Brentford and has been a regular part of their team over the course of last season.

During his time with the Bees so far, he has played as a centre-back in most games but the managers have also used him at right-back and in defensive midfield. In all situations, the youngster responded well to those changes.

In terms of his attributes, he is physically strong and doesn't mind an aerial duel or two. He has a good defensive brain to read the danger and thwart that while being a decent enough passer of the ball. He also possesses a good recovery pace to match the runs of opposition forwards.

Thus, it has to be said that Fulham are doing the right thing by looking at the possibility of signing the England U21 international, even if it is on loan. His addition could make a telling difference to their bid for promotion next season.

Conclusion

All in all, we can conclude by saying that the Cottagers should go all out to sign Ezri Konsa over the next few days. The youngster could just revitalise their backline big time.

https://soccersouls.com/fulham-must-go-all-out-to-secure-a-loan-deal-for-this-21-year-old-ace-after-a-defensive-horror-show-last-season/

[WhiteJC]

3 reasons why Sheffield Wednesday must act fast as they face competition for 26-year-old

Fulham are interested in signing proven Championship centre-backs Ezri Konsa and Michael Hector, according to Tom Barclay of The Sun.

The duo were both impressive in the second tier last season for Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday respectively and with Scott Parker keen to bolster his defensive options, have been made targets for the summer.

Hector spent the 2018/19 campaign on loan with Sheffield Wednesday, racking up 37 appearances and picking up the club's player of the season award as he became a fan-favourite at Hillsborough.

And news of Fulham's interest will be most unwelcome to the club and their fans after the displays he put in for them.

Steve Bruce has made no secret of his desire to bring the 26-year-old back to the club permanently next season although there has been very little in the way of news on that front.

Well, with Fulham's interest now apparent, here are THREE reasons why the Owls must now act fast to secure the deal...

Spending power
Quite simply, Fulham have it and Wednesday don't.

If Wednesday get complacent and allow Fulham to get in with a sizeable bid then why would Chelsea then accept a lower offer?

The Owls have the advantage in as much as Hector already knows and likes the club and if they act quickly they could still be the ones to win his signature.

The message
Whether they end up landing Hector or not, it will send a real message to their fans and the rest of the league.

After finishing last season so strongly, there was a sense that Wednesday could be a side to watch next season, but missing out on him would send the message that perhaps they aren't fit to fight for promotion.

But if they can land him, it would give such a boost to everybody around the club and could lead to some real early season momentum.

Proven
It is a slightly obvious point but it is well worth mentioning.

As far as available centre-backs go, none are more proven in the second tier than Hector and whoever lands him will have a ready-made pro on their hands.

It looks set to be a testing summer for Wednesday as they aim to stay within FFP rules so striking a deal as early as possible for one of their top targets before a bidding war breaks out will only help them.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-reasons-why-sheffield-wednesday-must-act-fast-as-they-face-competition-for-26-year-old/

[Neil D]

Two words of advice for Harvey Elliott: Patrick Roberts.

[Apprentice to the Maestro]

Two words of advice for Harvey Elliott: Patrick Roberts.

Two more words: Emerson Hyndman.