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Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 16/07/19...

Started by WhiteJC, July 16, 2019, 07:59:37 AM

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WhiteJC

Riverside Stand – FFC Survey


As you will be aware, the progress of the redevelopment of the Riverside Stand has been one of the key issues the Trust has been involved in discussions with the Club about.

Over the course of the next few weeks, as we get used to watching Fulham from a temporarily three sided ground, the old structure will be demolished as work continues towards a new stand. You will be aware that part of the reasoning for the new stand is to be able to provide facilities on matchdays that were simply not possible in the old stand and income streams and local amenities on non-matchdays.

As a Trust, we have already been putting forward ideas to incorporate aspects of the Club's history and heritage into the fabric of the ground, including where possible and appropriate, in the new stand. We have also put forward ideas coming from our membership and have encouraged the Club to ensure there is the opportunity for input from supporters prior to decisions being made on the fit out and matchday packages that will be available in the new, larger stand.

During next week, season ticket holders, members (including members from last season who may not yet have purchased a membership for 2019/20), and both seasonal and occasional hospitality package purchasers will be asked to take part in a preliminary survey by a third party organisation undertaking research on behalf of Fulham Football Club.

This is an important opportunity to provide some feedback on options, put forward your own ideas and give your opinion about what you would be interested in with the new stand. The survey has been designed to seek views on catering options, use of facilities before and after games and different seating options, and does so by asking you to rank between hypothetical options to test views. So it is an important opportunity to influence the way the Club approaches the configuration of the new stand early on and before any firm decisions have been made.

The Trust therefore encourages all of our members to take part in the survey and set aside the 15 to 20 minutes to complete it in full, if you are able to.

It will be an important element in the Club's early consultation, and having pressed the Club on the merits of seeking views of supporters, we would like to see as many of our fanbase as possible – whether or not they have been regular spectators from the Riverside – to take part.

Only those who have opted in to receive information from Fulham will receive the survey. If you haven't opted in (you may recall that when new data protection regulations were introduced recently then the Club had to ask people to actively opt-in to be sent information), and you want to take part in this survey, then you will need to do that here.

Although this survey is not being carried out by the Trust, we are supportive of the Club taking supporters' views seriously and so would like to see as many of our fans as possible taking part. If you do so, and there are specific issues arising from it that you would like us to pursue, then please do also let us know.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2019/07/riverside-stand-ffc-survey/

WhiteJC

Why Everton should go all out for Fulham's Serbian menace


The transfer window was unbolted in May and unsurprisingly, Premier League clubs have been jumping at each other for potent supplements and valuable gems. Everton has its sights set on the Serbian gem that is Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic.

When a club suffers relegation, tribulations follow. Returning to the elite division is usually the biggest, especially in the erratic, hostile Championship tantrum. Holding on to star players is another. Top sides tempt their resolve with irresistible offers.

Fulham's fate was confirmed as early as April 3 after a ninth straight defeat at Watford. The Cottagers were the third biggest spenders last summer with £105.3m on 12 new players following promotion from the Championship. No newly-promoted team had smashed the £100m transfer threshold.

Keeping such heavily assembled squad together is impossible. It appears as though Mitrovic will lead the mass exodus from Craven Cottage. Everton is reportedly offering an escape route. The potential relationship is mutual.

According to Sky Sports, Fulham is desperate to hold on to the 24-year-old but the player is keen to remain in the Premier League next season. The Toffees view him as an option in attack.

The Serbia international, who signed for an initial £22m from Newcastle last summer, notched 11 goals in 39 appearances. He was instrumental in their promotion, firing them into the playoffs with 12 goals in 17 Championship games. But he brings more to the team than just goals.

The Serb is hardly the most modern of centre forwards but he proved that his old-fashioned values could be as vital in the Premier League as they were in leading Fulham there in the first place.

Standing at six-foot two-and-a-half, Mitrovic is a natural goal poacher. Aggressive and self-assertive, he works ferociously hard – even if he occasionally eats a little too much. He's got the physique and the technical ability a bursting runs and battles using elbows, shoulders and all his considerable brawn.

He is capable of battering and bombarding the opposition at either end of the pitch, a heavy artillery footballer to the core. While Mitrovic is an undeniably physical and destructive player, his technical ability is often underestimated. He is capable of neat lay-offs, flicks and carefully crafted touches to his teammates.

Disciplinary problems, though, have been a major theme of his time in England Mitrovic accrued four yellow cards and two reds in his first season. In the Championship, he managed to keep it to four cautions. It climbed to seven last season.

For so long Everton yearned for such exuberance in attack since Romelu Lukaku's exit to Manchester United in 2017. Dominic Calvert-Lewin showed great promise but hasn't seemed ready for the responsibility. Cenk Tosun, Sandro Ramirez, Oumar Niasse failed to step into the Belgian's big shoe.

Thankfully, Mitrovic wears almost the same size as Lukaku. As long as he keeps his head down.



http://www.o-posts.com/premier-league/why-everton-should-go-all-out-for-fulhams-serbian-menace/

WhiteJC

Selling Anthony Knockaert would be a risk Brighton shouldn't take


Fulham's interest in Anthony Knockaert leaves Brighton and Hove Albion with quite dilemma over what to do with the French winger.

The reasons behind the Cottagers' interest in Knockaert are obvious. Back in 2016-17, he was genuinely unplayable in the Championship.

On that basis, £15m is a relative bargain if Knockaert provides the goals, the assists and the spark to help Fulham back to the Premier League and all riches that come with being part of English football's elite. Whether Brighton should sell is less clear cut.

Knockaert has struggled to make a significant impact on the top flight and based on the last two seasons, he'll have Solly March and Leandro Trossard ahead of him at the start of this campaign. Jose Izquierdo is also a better player, presuming he hasn't lost too much pace after all his recent knee troubles.

Knockaert's battle with depression has understandably impacted on his form, but there's a nagging doubt that he isn't quite good enough for Premier League football regardless of the tough time he has gone through off the pitch over the last few years.

That's problematic for him, as Knockaert loves to be the main man. He's at his best when he's adored by the crowd and his teammates and he knows he is the star player. He gets that in the Championship but in the Premier League, he's just another player for struggling Brighton.

That's ultimately what leads to his petulance. When things don't go Knockaert's way, he doesn't handle it very well. Bournemouth's Adam Smith can tell you that after Knockaert tried to snap his leg into pieces in frustration after he'd gifted the Cherries their second goal of five at the Amex in April.

There's also some doubt about whether Knockaert will fit into Graham Potter's system or even if Potter will take to him. Knockaert is at his best as a traditional winger in a four man midfield.

All the talk about Potter's possible formations has centred on 3-5-2, 4-2-3-1 and 4-2-2-2. There's been little suggestion of 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1, which leads to questions about where Knockaert fits in the new era.

Andy Naylor eluded to this in a tweet on Saturday (which we can see now he's finally unblocked six years after we offered him some Strongbow on the train back from Leeds).

Naylor said: "Would not surprise me if AK to Fulham happens. Albion have wide options + Graham Potter won't necessarily always operate with two."

It's also doubtful that a new manager would put up with the sort of behaviour we saw against Bournemouth or away at Everton the previous season when Knockaert picked up his other Premier League red card.

Knockaert had so much credit in the bank with Chris Hughton because of his exploits in being the driving force behind promotion. As a result, Hughton was perhaps more lenient than others might have been when Knockaert's discipline and attitude let him down.

With Potter, every player is starting from scratch. There are no past performances for them to fall back on, which will make it harder for Knockaert to seek forgiveness should he do something stupid again under the new boss.

All of that might have you thinking £15m is a good piece of business for a third or fourth choice winger who may not fit the new manager's system and who has a questionable attitude.

But it would be a significant risk to sell Knockaert this summer unless Fulham or anyone else are willing to offer silly money – we're talking a minimum of £20m.

We've got high hopes for Trossard given his pedigree and the fact that most of the signings the Albion have made from Belgium have turned out to be a success.

But what if we're wrong? What if Trossard turns out to be another Alireza Jahanbakhsh or Jurgen Locadia? And what if two knee operations in a year end up taking a huge toll on Izquierdo? Suddenly, Knockaert is fighting with March for the position of first choice winger.

The risk of selling Knockaert would be reduced if Potter is able to get a tune out of Jahanbakhsh and Locadia. If one or both of those belatedly begin to justify the money spent on them, then Knockaert would find himself pushed further down the pecking order and flogging him suddenly doesn't look like such a gamble.

That's a pretty bloody big if though. The duo have managed just three Premier League goals and one assist between them – and all of those have been from Locadia, who Potter might view as more of a centre forward than a winger anyway.

Maybe Potter has seen something he thinks he can work with in the much maligned multi million pound pair. That might lead him to think he can afford to let Knockaert go.

After all, part of Potter's appeal is his reputation as a coach who improves and unlocks potential, both with youngsters at Swansea and with slightly older players who had lost their way before they arrived at Ostersunds.

But if Potter can work wonders with Jahanbakhsh and Locadia, then who's to say he can't do the same with Knockaert? Imagine how dangerous Knockaert could be if a manager was able to coax displays out of him like the one we saw at Crystal Palace away in March on a regular basis.

We've seen fleeting glimpses of Championship Knockaert in the Premier League. He had a good month last September before being controversially jettisoned in favour of Jahanbakhsh and was in excellent form in March before he lost his head against Bournemouth.

And that's why he is worth persevering with. Selling him now would represent a huge gamble given how much uncertainty there is surrounding his rivals for a wide position. There is also the tantalising prospect that he could thrive under Potter, rather like how Daniel James did at Swansea.

Knockaert deserves to have until January at least. If he hasn't made an impact under Potter, then that might be time to consider selling. But not now. It's a risk that Potter and the Albion shouldn't be taking.



http://www.wearebrighton.com/newsopinion/selling-anthony-knockaert-would-be-a-risk-brighton-shouldnt-take/


WhiteJC

Journalist claims Daniel Levy is refusing to pay over the odds for transfer target

Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon's future at the Championship side still appears to be uncertain ahead of the new campaign.

The 19-year-old as one year left to run on his contract at Craven Cottage and has apparently informed the club that he will not be signing a new deal (Guardian).

Sessegnon has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, with The Mirror claiming that the Fulham are fully aware that the England Under-21 international wants to make the switch to North London.

Former Sky Sports and the Press Association journalist, Pete O'Rourke has claimed that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is refusing to pay over the odds for Sessegnon given his contract situation.

O'Rourke told Betting.com: "A move across to North London appears to have dragged on as the tough negotiating Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is refusing to pay over the odds for Sessegnon, considering he is in the final year of his contract at Fulham."

The Daily Mail have previously reported that Fulham are holding out for around £40million for the highly-rated youngster, while Spurs are only prepared to pay around £25million.

Opinion

Sessegnon would be a huge signing for Spurs this summer given his raw potential and ability to play almost anywhere on the left side of the pitch.

However, whether Levy can negotiate a deal for a player who is likely to be attracting interest from a number of other clubs remains to be seen.



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/journalist-claims-daniel-levy-is-refusing-to-pay-over-the-odds-for-transfer-target/

WhiteJC

Serie A giants form queue for wantaway Fulham midfielder

Milan are interested in signing Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri, but could face competition from their Serie A rivals.

The Ivory Coast international joined the Cottagers from Nice for a club record £25 million fee last summer but could be on the way out already following their relegation to the Championship.

Seri has made it clear that he wants to leave, the Express reports, and Milan have declared interest.

However, Fulham are believed to want the same fee they spent on the player 12 months ago, which could stall the Rossoneri's advances.

Roma are said to be weighing up a move, while Napoli and Inter Milan are also monitoring the 27-year-old.

Seri's agent Franklin Mala confirmed interest from the Italian capital, saying: "My Italian partner and I spoke to Roma a couple of weeks ago. We'll see how the situation evolves.

"He'd be happy to play in Serie A and Roma are a very good club."

Crystal Palace are also understood to have shown interest in the player, but are yet to follow up an initial enquiry with a concrete bid.



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/jean-michael-seri-fulham-ac-milan-roma#3dIXMSIB63pm9jkF.99

WhiteJC

August Games On Sale

Tickets for Fulham's opening home fixtures of the 2019/20 season go on sale to 19/20 Members from 1pm on Monday 15th July.

The Whites kick-off the Sky Bet Championship campaign away at Barnsley on 3rd August, with our first match at Craven Cottage taking place a week later against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday 10th August (3pm).

Two further league matches take place at the Cottage in August, with a London derby against Millwall on Wednesday 21st August (7:45pm) and then Nottingham Forest on Saturday 24th August (3pm).

Fans are advised that tickets will be available to purchase in the Hammersmith End and Johnny Haynes Stand only, and go on sale as follows:

    2019/20 Members, 1pm on Monday 15th July
    2019/20 Season Ticket Holders, 10am on Wednesday 17th July
    Supporters with a Booking History, 10am on Friday 19th July

Tickets for our three August fixtures start from £30 for adults and are £15 for under 18s.

In addition, 19/20 Members will receive a £5 discount on their match ticket, with a £2 discount available on Over 65 and 18-21 ticket. Discount applies to one ticket per member, per game.

Supporters will be available to purchase tickets online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Don't miss out! Click here to sync ticket on sale dates to your online calendar this season.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/july/15/august-games-on-sale


WhiteJC

Fulham's Jean Michael Seri attracting interest from four clubs

Four clubs are in for Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri and a development on his future is expected in the next few days, Sky Sports News understands.

The 27-year-old wants to leave England this summer and is currently mulling over his next move while on holiday following the Africa Cup of Nations.

Galatasaray, Napoli, Roma and AC Milan are among those reportedly keen to sign the Ivory Coast international.

Seri signed for Fulham to great anticipation last year following their promotion to the Premier League, as the Cottagers spent more than £100m on new players.

But he had a difficult season, registering just three assists and one goal in 32 Premier League appearances.

His transfer from Nice to Fulham was also the subject of a complaint to the French Football Federation by lawyers, over accusations the fee was "manipulated" in the double deal with Maxime Le Marchand.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11763556/fulhams-jean-michael-seri-attracting-interest-from-four-clubs

WhiteJC

Aston Villa must try again for Ryan Sessegnon if Spurs don't act

Tottenham Hotspur may be challenged by Aston Villa for Ryan Sessegnon.

Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon will be wanted back in the Premier League after suffering relegation, but few would have tabbed Aston Villa as a potential destination.

Sessegnon, 19, arrived in the Premier League with a huge reputation from his Championship days with Fulham, but failed to really get going in the top flight.

The teenager hit two goals and six assists for Fulham last season, and with just one year left on his deal at Fulham, he's expected to move on this summer.

The Guardian noted last month that Sessegnon wants to join Tottenham, but Sky Sports claim that Spurs are remaining patient and haven't even opened talks with Fulham yet.

With just a few weeks of the transfer window left to go, other clubs should be looking to swoop in if Tottenham sit back, and Aston Villa should be one of them.

The Telegraph claim that Villa launched a shock enquiry for Sessegnon earlier this summer, and Dean Smith's side should remain in the race just in case that move to Spurs doesn't materialise after all.

Villa would be able to give Sessegnon consistent playing time on the left wing, whilst reuniting him with left back Matt Targett, after they enjoyed a fine partnership at Fulham in 2018.

Villa have been splashing the cash this summer, but spending more on a top teenage talent like Sessegnon – who they could feasibly make a huge profit on – would be a sensible move, especially ahead of huge clubs like Spurs.

It remains bold for Villa to target Sessegnon, but with that expected move to Spurs will yet to go through, they would be wise to keep him on the radar and plot another ambitious attempt this summer.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/07/15/aston-villa-must-try-again-for-ryan-sessegnon-if-spurs-dont-act/

WhiteJC

Swansea and Fulham tussle for Premier League based signing

West Ham's Reece Oxford is a player in high demand this summer, with clubs in the Championship and abroad keen on a loan deal, according to Sky Sports News.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Augsburg in the Bundesliga, and the German club is thought to want him back, but they face competition from Swansea and Fulham.

Both Fulham and Swansea are clubs which present young players with an opportunity of playing regularly, whilst joining Fulham would allow him to stay in London.

Oxford may favour a move in England too, as he only played nine games in a spell on loan at Augsburg last season.

The midfielder has had three loan spells since making his debut at West Ham, all of which have failed to deliver regular game time and likely hindered his progression.

West Brom have previously been linked, which would offer Oxford the chance to reunite with former manager Slaven Bilic, who was the first manager to show faith in the youngster during their time at West Ham.

The interest means Oxford has a tough decision to make, and he could take some time before he decides his immediate future.

The Verdict

The most important thing for Oxford currently is game time. When making a decision to move he must get assurances from the manager that he will be a regular in the first team, as he has amassed just 23 appearances in his three loan spells.

He would be a good addition for Fulham or Swansea. At both teams, he would be able to get the ball down and play positively in a free-flowing style which suits his game.

He would learn a great deal from Scott Parker, who operated in a similar position to Oxford throughout his career. Steve Cooper meanwhile has spent many years working with young players in his career, winning the U17 World Cup in 2017. He will know how to get the best out of Oxford and help him develop, so a move to either club should serve Oxford well.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/swansea-and-fulham-tussle-for-premier-league-based-signing/


WhiteJC

Agent of Seri confirms AC Milan interest, reveals price tag

Jean Michaël Seri is AC Milan's latest idea to reinforce the midfield. In fact, the Ivorian midfielder has offered himself to the Rossoneri recently, as he wants to leave Championship side Fulham.

According to Sky Italia, the Frenchman remains the alternative to Jordan Veretout, though Milan have failed to reach an agreement with Fiorentina despite several meetings. Therefore, the track leading to Seri seems more and more likely.

In an interview with calciomercato.com, the player's agent Franklin Mala confirmed the Rossoneri's interest, while also revealing the Ivorian's price tag.

"We know that the media is talking a lot about Milan for Seri. At the moment, I can only say that we will see if there will be any developments, we are waiting. We will consider the opportunity if it arises.

"If Seri spoke to Kessie during international duty? I honestly don't know, but we have so many opportunities and we will choose the best for the player. Roma? Many clubs, I can't add anything else. The price tag? £22m (€24.5m)," he concluded.



https://sempremilan.com/agent-of-seri-confirms-ac-milan-interest-reveals-price-tag

WhiteJC

Player wants out of Fulham, has offered himself elsewhere, agent confirms talks

If there's one player who seems desperate to get himself a new club this summer it's Jean Michael Seri.

The midfielder joined Fulham last summer as part of the Cottagers' vast spending but like most of their signings, ended up flopping.

He's one they'll be happy to move on this summer as they cut down the wage bill and reshape the squad for a season in the Championship and the player is keen to find himself a new club as well.

So far, though, there's been little interest. Seri has been shopping himself around Europe but nobody is yet to jump forward and make a concrete offer.

That could be about to change as CalcioMercato report that AC Milan have identified the Ivorian as someone they could add to their midfield.

He has apparently 'offered himself' to the Serie A side and speaking to the website, his agent confirmed the talks and how that Fulham want at least £22m for their man.

"We will consider the opportunity. We have so many opportunities and we will choose the best for the player," he is reported as saying.

Whether AC Milan will stump up that kind of money for Seri is debatable. They're missing out on the Europa League because of their financial issues and need to spend this season sorting their finances out.

That suggests there's not likely to be a lot of money to spend, particularly €25m on a player who failed in the Premier League last season.

Perhaps if they were to sell some players first, namely Franck Kessie, this could be a move that gets going. Until then, Fulham and Seri may be waiting a while before an official bid arrives from Milan.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/midfielder-wants-fulham-offered-milan-agent-confirms-talks/

WhiteJC

Fulham completing a £5m deal for this Everton outcast would be an absolute steal by Parker

Fulham opinion: Cottagers in for Mo Besic – Good Move?

According to a report in Wales Online, Fulham are closing in on the signature of Everton midfielder Muhamed Besic during this transfer window. The fee is around £5m.

The Bosnia international, who played for Middlesbrough on loan from Everton for the last 18 months and did a good job, is being told by manager Marco Silva that he is not in his plans (h/t Wales Online).

Besic, who still has a contract at Goodison Park until the summer of 2021, wants to stay in the Premier League but there have been no offers from top-flight clubs other than the newly-relegated Fulham. (h/t Wales Online)

The Cottagers, on the other hand, are quite evidently looking to get back to the Premier League as quickly as they can by signing quality players ahead of next season.

Here's why signing Besic would be a positive move to bolster their midfield:

Besic's quality and versatility could be key for Fulham
Predominantly a defensive midfield player who likes to protect the back four and do the "dirty work", Muhamed Besic is versatile enough to play in central defence and at full-back as well.

During the course of the 2018/19 season at Middlesbrough, the Bosnian star operated as a defensive midfielder, as a right-back and as a central midfielder as well. He appeared 37 times in the Championship, scoring two goals and assisting five.

In terms of attributes, Besic is a quality player who is physically strong on/off the ball and is aware of covering the spaces to defend while playing as a defensive midfielder. He can also pass the ball with accuracy from deeper positions and can make surging runs through midfield with the ball to create a chance for the team.

With Fulham being in the Championship, they are expecting someone to hold their midfield together and understandably so. They are right in opting to make a move for the 26-year-old ahead of next season.

Conclusion
All in all, we can conclude by saying that the Cottagers should do everything to get this deal done as soon as possible and have Muhamed Besic in their squad.



https://soccersouls.com/fulham-completing-a-5m-deal-for-this-everton-outcast-would-be-an-absolute-steal-by-parker/


WhiteJC

At £15m, Aston Villa have got to rival Fulham for Premier League wizard

(Photo by Jon Bromley/ MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Aston Villa have brought in both Jota and Anwar El Ghazi on a permanent basis to solve their lack of options out wide, but they could still do with another winger or two – and a £15million-rated Brighton man would be ideal.

The Sun have claimed that recently-relegated Fulham are interested in signing Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert for £15million, in a surprising move that would see the Frenchman drop a division to work under Scott Parker.

The French winger has been decent for Brighton over the last two seasons in the Premier League but is somewhat lacking in end product. In 72 games, he has scored just five goals in the top tier of English football.

Some of that can be contributed to the way Brighton play, which was defensive-minded under Chris Hughton. But he is certainly of Premier League standard and is capable of surpassing his current £15million price tag.

Seemingly available for the eight-figure price, Fulham are leading the race to sign Knockaert, who has also played for Leicester City, Guingamp and Standard Liege. The French ace is renowned for his skills and long-range shooting.

Villa have shown their spending prowess in the market this summer, splashing out large sums on the likes of Ezri Konsa, Wesley Moraes and Matt Targett – but need another winger.

Knockaert fits the bill perfectly. His direct approach fits in with Villa's attack-minded style of play under Smith, and he would be sure to find the back of the net on a regular basis should he move to Villa.

Villa propose a more attractive proposition than Fulham, and Smith should do his all to firstly rival Villa and then beat the Cottagers to Knockaert's signature this summer.



https://tbrfootball.com/at-15m-aston-villa-have-got-to-rival-fulham-for-premier-league-wizard/

WhiteJC

Fulham in talks with Bristol City over possible transfer


Fulham are in talks with Bristol City over a move for Robins midfielder Callum O'Dowda, according to Sky Sports Transfer Centre (15/07, 18:46).

Bristol City manager Lee Johnson revealed earlier this summer that O'Dowda was stalling over a new contract, and it now appears the Republic of Ireland international could be heading to London.

However, it is understood the Robins want a fee in the region of £8million for O'Dowda's services and Fulham deem this to be above their valuation of the player.

O'Dowda has been a regular on the left of midfield since arriving at Ashton Gate in July 2016, and he made 35 appearances last season as Johnson's side narrowly missed out on the Championship play-offs.

FLW reported earlier this summer that O'Dowda had set his heart on a move to Elland Road, but the Whites have now already bolstered their wing options with the signings of Helder Costa and Jack Harrison.

It is now understood Fulham are firmly in contention to make O'Dowda their second summer signing, but they must first agree on a suitable fee with the Robins.

The Verdict

It would seem the best outcome for all concerned that the Robins move O'Dowda on this summer.

His ongoing contract saga is continuing to draw unnecessary attention and I think it would be best for the Robins to agree on a fee for the midfielder, in order to avoid further disruption to the club.

Johnson is clearly only interested in working with players who want to be at Ashton Gate, and the fact he decided to play O'Dowda in the unfamiliar left-back slot during a friendly match may well have been a statement that the midfielder is not part of his plans.

It remains unclear why O'Dowda is looking to force a move away from the club as it would seem an exciting time to be at Bristol City, but he perhaps thinks he can increase his earnings elsewhere.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-in-talks-with-bristol-city-over-possible-transfer/

WhiteJC

Fulham in talks to sign Callum O'Dowda from Bristol City

Fulham are in talks to sign Bristol City midfielder Callum O'Dowda, Sky Sports News understands.

O'Dowda, who made 35 appearances for Bristol City last season, is stalling over a new contact at Ashton Gate.

The Robins want £8m if they are to allow the 24-year-old to leave, but Fulham are unwilling to meet that fee.

Fulham are looking to rebuild their squad following relegation from the Premier League and have signed Ivan Cavaleiro and Martell Taylor-Crossdale in recent days.

O'Dowda scored five goals and assisted five more for Bristol City last season as they just missed out on a play-off place.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11763862/fulham-in-talks-to-sign-callum-odowda-from-bristol-city


WhiteJC

Fulham to end Leeds United transfer hopes with midfielder capture

According to Sky Sports, Fulham are in talks to sign midfielder Callum O'Dowda from Bristol City in a move that would remove any lingering doubts that Leeds United are interested in the 24-year-old.

O'Dowda, a £1.1million capture for current club Bristol City for Oxford United in 2016, has made 89 Sky Bet Championship appearances since his move to Ashton Gate. Yet, it was last season that the 15-cap Ireland international really put down a marker with four goals and five assists in a campaign that opened eyes.

Most wide-open are the eyes belonging to Londoners Fulham who Sky Sports say are "in talks"  to land the left-sided midfielder. The Cottagers were relegated from the Premier League last season after a stay of just one campaign. They are in a process of rebuilding and restructuring and obviously see the Oxford-born Irish international as part of that process.

The Robins position is weakened somewhat with O'Dowda in the last year of his current deal, and stalling on signing a new one. Whilst this may ease the door to his exit a little wider, Bristol City isn't going to roll over and have their stomachs tickled on this one. Rather, they have affixed an £8million valuation on his head and it is a valuation that Fulham is said to be unwilling to meet.

Should a deal progress further, it would also close the door on any lingering hopes or thoughts that Leeds United fans might have that O'Dowda is on his way to Elland Road.  The Irishman has been linked to the Whites on a number of occasions the past year, with many thinking he was of a good enough calibre to slot into a Bielsa-led outfit.

Yet, that was before FFP regulations began to pinch the Whites, and before Fulham and their Premier League pockets became involved. With the latter happening, you could say that the door is shut on any further Leeds United interest, and the key is thrown away.

However, things must have progressed over the last day as O'Dowda is pictured out in America with the Robins (below). Thankfully he's better with his feet than catching a softball!



https://the72.co.uk/138829/fulham-to-end-leeds-united-transfer-hopes-with-midfielder-capture/

WhiteJC

Recent Fulham recruit could be a star for fans to revel in – opinion

Ivan Cavaleiro arrived on England's shores as Wolverhampton's £7m record signing three years ago. Little was known of the 22-year-old, other than his €15m move to the Ligue 1 club the previous year.

He struggled to solidify a place at Monaco, after only making 15 appearances in the league and French Cup. The change of scenery proved to be the correct move for the Portuguese.

Cavaleiro advertised his attacking talent in his first year, but Wolves struggled throughout the season. The appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo as Wolves' new manager, as well as additional quality around him (like Ruben Neves from Porto) gave Cavaleiro the pedestal to become an integral part of their 2017/18 promotion winning campaign.

With uncertainty swirling around Ryan Sessegnon's future, Fulham were in desperate need of an attacking winger to either fill Sessegnon's hole, or to pair with the 19-year-old if he stays at Craven Cottage. Cavaleiro was their man.

Cavaleiro, who is on a season-long loan, specialises in remaining composed on the ball, creating chances for his teammates, and providing a range of techniques to score.

The Portuguese averaged a goal or an assist every 161 minutes in his first year, but the change of system and style under Nuno Santo catapulted his average goal or assist contribution to every 83 minutes. As well as this, Cavaleiro made 1.6 key passes per game

In contrast to Fulham's new arrival, their other wingers – Aboubakar Kamara (who also plays as a striker), Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano – did not record a more prolific record during their own promotion winning campaign.

Kamara and Kebano were involved in a goal every 170 minutes and 181 minutes respectfully, while they both averaged less than one key passes per game. Ayite, on the other hand, contributed to a goal every 290 minutes – but did supply a key pass per game.

Fulham will be building the team to the playing style of the predatory Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Cavaleiro will provide a necessary piece into Scott Parker's system. Combining Cavaleiro's attacking artistry to create as well as score, it will take some pressure of the deadly Serbian.

If Sessegnon's short-term future is at Craven Cottage, Parker will have the pleasant headache of finding a way to include the attacking trio of the Sessegnon, Cavaleiro and Mitrovic, as Sessegnon and Cavaleiro are both situated on the left wing – a lethal Championship partnership on paper.

Fulham's mildly smart summer received boost with their new attacking signing. It could prove to be the revelation of a new star winger for their fans to revel in.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/recent-fulham-recruit-could-be-a-star-for-fans-to-revel-in-opinion/

WhiteJC

Fulham readying a £15m bid for Premier League winger: Why this is an important move

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Anthony Knockaert has emerged as a target for Fulham, it has been reported.

Fulham have contacted the Seagulls over a possible £15million move for Knockaert, it has been claimed by The Sun. However, a formal offer is yet to be tabled.

The report further states that the attacking ace will be tempted to drop down to the Championship with a hefty increase in wages, which is believed to be £40,000-a-week.

Fulham struggled to impose themselves in the Premier League during the previous campaign and were eventually relegated from the top flight after a difficult campaign.

However, they will strive to challenge for promotion to right their wrongs of the previous season. But, the Whites will need to tend to a couple of areas in the squad after the expected departure of a couple of star players following the events of last season.

The Cottagers lack quality in the wide areas after Andre Schurrle and Ryan Babel abandoned the ship and considering that Ryan Sessegnon might switch to Tottenham Hotspur, there is a need to buy.

Therefore, their apparent interest to sign Knockaert makes a lot of sense. He has a proven pedigree in the English second tier and will enhance the quality of their arsenal.

Anthony Knockaert: Profile
Knockaert started his senior career at French outfit Guingamp before he made a move to the ranks of Leicester City in the summer of 2012.

After three seasons with the Foxes, he moved to Belgian side Standard Liege and eventually landed at the Amex Stadium in the January transfer window of 2016.

The Frenchman won the Championship Player of the Season award after he played an instrumental role in his side's promotion-winning season in 2017.

However, he failed to replicate his rich vein of form of the Championship in the Premier League last season as he bagged just 2 goals and 6 assists in 30 league outings.

A good move for all parties involved
Knockaert is a vastly experienced campaigner and if his move to the Cottagers materialises, he could be a useful ally to striker Aleksandar Mitrovic whom Fulham have managed to retain.

He is an astute crosser of the ball and has the ability to link-up with his teammates in a meticulous manner in the final third. Besides, he holds the ball well and makes good use of the space around him.

The 27-year-old is a skilful player who also has an undeniable knack to find the back of the net and Scott Parker could rely on him to head a potent attacking unit for him. His crossing and set-piece ability will also come in handy with Fulham boasting of one of the best headers of the ball in English football.

Brighton have a number of options in the wide areas and there is a good chance they will sell for the aforementioned fee.

Statistics Credits: WhoScored



https://madaboutepl.net/2019/07/fulham-readying-a-15m-bid-for-anthony-knockaert/


WhiteJC

The Inside Scoop – Ivan Cavaleiro

The news of Ivan Cavaleiro's arrival from Wolves was welcomed with both excitement and relief. We know only too well how difficult the Championship is as a league, so we needed to improve our squad before the season starts. With Ryan Sessegnon rumoured to be leaving and with question marks over players like Jean Michael Seri and Frank Zambo Anguissa we have a number of holes to fill. Cavaleiro is exactly the sort of player we need and should fit in nicely beside Mitrovic in the front line.

But instead of listening to me harp on about him, why don't you read what a Wolves fan has to say. My friend and colleague Sylvie Devaney is a Wolves season ticket holder, so I decided to send a couple of question her way to help us get a picture of what we can expect from our new man.

What sort of player is Cavaleiro?

Cav mainly plays as a winger and works best linking up in a strong front three. He's also capable of playing on either flank. Sadly, he didn't get as much playing time for us in the Premier League as he did in the Championship (likely because Jota and Jimenez linked up so well and changes in formation), but he is a really strong attacking player and one of his greatest qualities is his pressing ability. Whether that's always pressing for a goal or pressing the opposition to win the ball back, he works so hard.

What will you miss most about him?

A lot of things! It's been kind of an odd two weeks for the club as Cav and Costa (both integral in our journey back to the Prem) joined Wolves around the same time and they're both leaving around the same time too! If I had to pick just one thing, I'd say I'll definitely miss his ability to have such a big impact off the bench, he was a great super sub for us last season and always a good option to have in the team. He has the ability to completely change games.

What's your favourite Cav moment from his time at Wolves?

His first Premier League goal! It was at home against Southampton and Cav came on off the bench to make his league debut. He received the ball for his first ever touch in the Premier League and smashed it into the net! I think it was something like 90 seconds after he came on and it was such an amazing moment. It's moments like that that show exactly what he's capable of!

#COYW



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/07/the-inside-scoop-ivan-cavaleiro/

WhiteJC

Fulham mull £8m move for O'Dowda

Fulham are holding discussions with Bristol City over a potential deal to bring winger Callum O'Dowda to Craven Cottage, according to a Sky Sports report this evening.

The Republic of Ireland international has so far refused to commit to a long-term future at Ashton Gate, with a contract offer on the table, and Fulham are interested in taking the 24 year-old to London as they prepare for the start of their Championship campaign next month. It is reported that there is a big difference between the two club's valuations of the midfielder, with Fulham apparently unwilling to meet Bristol City's £8m asking price.

O'Dowda, who has won 15 senior caps for Ireland, scored five goals in 35 appearances for Bristol City last season as Lee Johnson's side narrowly missed out on the Championship play-off places. The winger, who rose through the ranks at his hometown club Oxford, has a year left on his current contract and has previously been linked to both Nottingham Forest and Leeds, although interest from those suitors has reportedly dimmed in recent weeks.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/07/fulham-mull-8m-move-for-odowda/