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Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 17/07/19...

Started by WhiteJC, July 17, 2019, 07:39:17 AM

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WhiteJC

Report: Fulham looking to sign £8m star, linked with Leeds in January

(Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Sky Sports have claimed that recently-relegated Fulham are interested in signing Bristol City winger Callum O'Dowda, who was strongly linked with a move to Leeds in January.

The Yorkshire Evening Post claimed in January that Leeds wanted to sign 24-year-old O'Dowda in the January window, but they prioritised Daniel James and came within an inch of signing the new Manchester United star.

Instead, Leeds failed to bring either James or 15-time Ireland international O'Dowda. The former Oxford United star has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Ashton Gate and an exit is likely to occur.

But a move to Leeds now looks unlikely. That is because the Whites have lured Helder Costa to Elland Road on a four-year deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Jack Clarke and Jack Harrison have returned.

Fulham are now looking to take advantage and bring in O'Dowda from the Robins, with a fee of £8million required to land the Irishman's signature. He scored five goals and laid on five assists in 35 outings.

TBR's view – O'Dowda no longer needed at Leeds

The signings out wide, as well as youngsters such as Clarke Oduor and Jordan Stevens coming through has given Marcelo Bielsa plenty of options from the flanks – meaning O'Dowda is no longer a target for the Whites.

Even if Leeds were keen, there should be reservations. O'Dowda managed just five assists throughout the entirety of last season, and went missing on occasion – much like Harrison.

For a fee of £8million, he is simply not worth it – and no longer needed.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-fulham-looking-to-sign-8m-star-linked-with-leeds-in-january/

WhiteJC

Fulham player agrees personal terms, wants move after advice from former Craven Cottage teammate

Sabah report Galatasaray have agreed personal terms with Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri and now the Turkish club are trying to convince the Championship side over a loan deal.

It's reported the 27 year old has spoken with his former Fulham teammate Ryan Babel about life in Istanbul, and after advice from the Dutchman Seri wants to join Gala this summer.

Seri has reportedly also informed Fulham about his desire to head to Turkey and Sabah say Galatasaray board member Sukru Haznedar has held talks with the London club about the player.

If Fulham decide to accept Galatasaray's €1.5m loan offer, then the player will join the Istanbul side on a season-long loan deal, and will earn €2.5m.

Seri has been linked with a move Italian clubs AS Roma, AC Milan and Napoli, yet Sabah are confident he will join Galatasaray on a temporary basis before the window closes.

AC Milan were said to be interested in signing the Ivory Coast international but yesterday we covered reports that they've been put off by Fulham's asking price.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-agrees-personal-terms-wants-move-advice-former-craven-cottage-teammate/

WhiteJC

Football Back at the EBB This Weekend!


Football action returns to the EBB Stadium this weekend as SkyBet Championship side Fulham host Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 20th July. 3PM Kick Off.

We anticipate that both teams will be sending their first team squads to this exciting pre-season fixture and admission to the game is priced at £10 Adults and £5 Concessions. Tickets are only available on the turnstiles and are cash only.

Both sides also boast new management teams with Scott Parker taking a permanent role after the Cottagers were relegated from the Premier League last season.

Graham Potter's Brighton side visit with Potter impressing at Swansea City last season and in Sweden with Ostersund.

This isn't Fulham's first friendly in Aldershot either, they hosted Sampdoria and Reading here last season losing 1-0 to the Serie A giants and drawing 0-0 with the Championship club. Fulham and Brighton have met here in a friendly previously, with Fulham beating the Seagulls 3-0 back in 2016.



https://www.theshots.co.uk/football-back-at-the-ebb-this-weekend/


WhiteJC

Former Liverpool defender urges club to make move for frequently-linked Spurs target

Ryan Sessegnon's future at Fulham has been one of the major talking points of the summer transfer window.

The England Under-21 international has just twelve months to run on his existing contract at Craven Cottage and has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Guardian have previously reported that the 19-year-old has already told Fulham that he will not renew his contract and wants to complete a switch to Spurs instead.

Ex-Liverpool defender Steve Nichol, however, has urged his former side to make a move for the left-sided player who would be able to provide competition to Andy Robertson.

Sessegnon is regarded as one of the brightest talents in English football and Fulham are said to be holding out for £40million while Daniel Levy is hopeful of negotiating a lower fee (Sky Sports).

Danny Rose has been rumoured to be one of eight players who Spurs are willing to sell this summer (The Mail) while fellow left-back Ben Davies has recently signed a new five-year contract (BBC).

Nichol told ESPN: "Ryan Sessegnon; He is not starting but he is there to push the others already in the first team (at Liverpool)," Nicol said.

"He would be there to make the starting eleven better. In two or three years time he would be pushing Robertson or whoever it is down the left hand side."



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/former-liverpool-defender-urges-club-to-make-move-for-frequently-linked-spurs-target/

WhiteJC

Barnsley On Sale Date

Tickets for Fulham's season opener away to Barnsley go on sale to Season Ticket Holders and Members from 10am on Wednesday 17th July.

The Whites kick-off their 2019/20 Sky Bet Championship campaign at Oakwell on Saturday 3rd August.

Tickets are priced at £28 for adults, £20 for concessions, and from £5-10 for juniors. Fans can purchase up to four tickets each, with the fixture moving to General Sale on Monday 22nd July.

Oakwell has been a happy hunting ground for the Whites in recent times, winning each of our previous Championship encounters there – including a memorable late triumph on our last visit 18 months ago.

So make sure you're in Barnsley in a few week's time, as Scott Parker's boys look to begin the season in style.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/july/16/barnsley-on-sale-date

WhiteJC

The potential new-look Fulham attack we could see if 24-y/o arrives this summer

After being relegated from the Premier League last season, plenty will be expecting Fulham to make an immediate return to the top-flight in 2019/20.

The Cottagers have been busy in the transfer market thus far, as Scott Parker looks to rebuild the squad left at his disposal by Slavisa Jokanovic and Claudio Ranieri last season.

With the likes of Jean Michael Seri and Ryan Sessegnon continuing to be linked with a move away from Craven Cottage, you would expect Parker to strengthen his side even more, with Bristol City winger Callum O'Dowda reportedly on the club's radar.

The Republic of Ireland winger was one of the Robins' best players last season, with the 24-year-old scoring five goals in 36 appearances for Lee Johnson's side last term.

But according to Sky Sports, Fulham are now in talks to sign the exciting wide-man, but are currently unwilling to meet the £8m fee that City are demanding for the former Oxford man.

With plenty of quality attacking options at the club already, it will be interesting to see how Fulham line up if they managed to lure O'Dowda away from Ashton Gate.

Here, we take a look at one possibility...

RW: Ivan Cavaleiro

Fulham have recently completed the signing of Wolves winger Ivan Cavaleiro, who arrives from Molineux initally on a season-long loan deal, with the club holding the option to make it a permanent move next summer.

The winger knows what it takes to win promotion to the Premier League having helped Wolves do so in 2017/18 – scoring nine goals and laying on 12 assists for Nuno Santo's side.

He will be a real asset to them down that right-hand side.

CAM: Tom Cairney

Cairney will be hoping to captain his side to promotion for the second time in three years next season, and he will be another massively important player next season.

The 28-year-old scored six goals from midfield in 2017/18, including the winner against Aston Villa in the play-off final at Wembley.

He is one of the best players in the Championship when he's at his best.

LW: Callum O'Dowda

O'Dowda would look to occupy the left-wing spot if he signed for the Cottagers.

He possesses real pace and power down the left-hand side, and his wicked deliveries would be a delight for Aleksandar Mitrovic up top.

He would prove to be a very good signing indeed.

ST: Aleksandar Mitrovic

This is perhaps the most important piece of  business that Fulham will do all summer.

Mitrovic has recently signed a new five-year deal with the London club, which is a massive boost considering how lethal he was in the Premier League last season.

The Serbian netted 11 times in the top-flight despite Fulham's relegation, and having scored 14 goals when they were promoted in 2017/18, you would expect him to finish right up there in the goalscoring charts next season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-potential-new-look-fulham-attack-we-could-see-if-24-y-o-arrives-this-summer/


WhiteJC

Jean Michael Seri 'offered to AC Milan by Fulham'

Jean Michael Seri's agent has claimed that the midfielder is waiting for AC Milan to make a move following talks with Serie A rivals Roma.

The Ivorian, who joined Fulham for a club-record fee of £25m last summer, is seeking a new club following the Cottagers' relegation from the Premier League and has held discussions with Roma.

New Milan manager Marco Giampaolo is looking to strengthen his squad as he looks to build on the Rossoneri's fifth-placed finish last season.

Speaking to Calciomercato, agent Franklin Mala said Fulham were looking for around £22m for a player who was widely reported to have almost signed for Barcelona before moving to West London from Nice.

Mala said: "We know that we are talking a lot about Milan for Seri. At this moment I can only say that we will see if there will be any developments, we are waiting.

"We have so many opportunities and we will choose the best for the player."

Earlier this month, Mala told TeleRadioStereo that Seri's preferred destination was the Italian top flight.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/jean-michael-seri-considering-ac-milan-move_365164.html

WhiteJC

'A good option for Scott Parker' – Fulham join the hunt for versatile player: The Verdict

Fulham are interested in signing versatile Englishman Reece Oxford on a season-long loan from, according to Sky Sports.

The 20-year-old, who is capable of playing at centre-back or in defensive midfield, spent the second half of last season on loan at FC Augsburg in Germany and is reportedly in talks with the Bundesliga club over a permanent deal.

Sky Sports claim that Championship rivals Fulham and Swansea City are both interested in signing the player and are weighing up offers for a season-long loan.

Oxford burst on to the scene at West Ham four years ago, but has struggled to hold down a place in the side and has spent time on loan at three different clubs since making his Premier League debut as a 16-year-old in 2015.

So, would he be a good signing for Fulham? We discuss...

Ben Lang

"I think Oxford would be a solid signing for any top-half Championship side which means he would also be a good fit at Fulham.

"Oxford will now be hungry to make an impact throughout the regular season in English football, and he could really develop his game under the tutelage of Scott Parker at Craven Cottage.

"Fulham have already done some good business this summer with the addition of Ivan Cavaleiro and Alexsander Mitrovic's contract extension, so I can see them pushing for promotion next season.

Oxford would really help his development by playing alongside a good standard of players, while competing with the top sides in the league.

"However, I think this would perhaps be a risky move for Oxford in terms of guaranteed playing time.

"Although players could still move on, Fulham still have a lot of midfielders at the club which could make it difficult to guarantee Oxford regular playing time."

George Dagless

"He could be.

"Fulham need hungry players that want to prove themselves this coming season and Scott Parker will demand exactly that from his players.

"He's a decent footballer and just needs to show that on a consistent basis for the right club to really launch his career.

"Fulham are bound to play some good stuff this season and that will lend itself to Oxford who likes to get on the ball and look after it before playing it along the deck.

"Parker is bound to have an idea of how to get the best out of him, too, and so I fully expect him to do well there if he joined."

George Harbey

"This is a mixed one for me – there are probably better options out there for Fulham than Oxford, but he is a player that once had some serious potential.

"They obviously need to replace Calum Chambers who was impressive on loan from Arsenal last season, but they already have some very established and experienced defenders in Alfie Mawson and Tim Ream.

"Nevertheless, Oxford is a talented, ball-playing centre-half that has a point to prove after falling out of favour at West Ham, and he will be hungry to impress upon his return to English football.

"He can play in defence or even in holding midfield, so he would be a good option for Scott Parker to have."



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/a-good-option-for-scott-parker-fulham-join-the-hunt-for-versatile-player-the-verdict/

WhiteJC

AC Milan's first offer for Fulham star revealed

AC Milan are in the hunt for a midfielder to reinforce the department at Marco Giampaolo's disposal. Given the difficulties to sign Jordan Veretout, the Rossoneri are also considering alternatives.

A player that is appreciated by the Milan management is Jean Michael Seri, who got relegated with Fulham last season after joining the London-based club from Nice last summer for a figure of 30 million euros. The Ivorian scored 1 goal and made 3 assists in 34 appearances for the club but didn't manage to help the English side from getting relegated.

According to Sportmediaset, Milan is ready to make the following offer for Seri: 2 million euros for a loan deal with the right of redemption set at 15 million.

Fulham is willing to negotiate but recently, the player's agent revealed exclusively to us that the asking price is close to 25 million. Moreover, Galatasaray are also showing great interest in the player.



https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/ac-milan-s-first-offer-for-fulham-star-revealed-51782


WhiteJC

Fulham signing this wantaway 20-year-old star from London rivals would solidify their defence remarkably

Fulham Opinion: Reece Oxford could add a lot of depth and youthful exuberance to the Cottagers' backline

According to Sky Sports, Fulham have been credited with an interest in wantaway West Ham starlet Reece Oxford, with reports claiming that the Cottagers are keen to offer the 20-year-old an escape route.

Fulham are not the only club to have registered an interest in Oxford though, with Sky Sports claiming that West Ham have held talks with Bundesliga strugglers Augsburg over a £2.7 million deal. Fellow Championship outfit Swansea City are also very much in the race to sign the highly-rated defender.

Oxford spent the second half of this past season on loan at Augsburg in Germany and made 8 appearances, as the Bundesliga outfit finished 15th and managed to steer themselves away from the relegation playoff spots. Prior to that, Oxford also had a couple of loan spells with Borussia Monchengladbach in the 2017-18 season.

The 20-year-old England U-20 international made the headlines in the tabloids back in the 2015-16 season when he made his senior professional debut for the Hammers in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League as a 16-year-old, becoming the club's youngest ever player in the process.

Oxford enjoyed considerable involvement in the 2015-16 campaign and also made a handful of appearances in the Premier League but he has slipped down the pecking order at the club ever since.



The centre-back has made only 17 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions till date, whilst also spending time on loan at Reading, Borussia Monchengladbach and Augsburg. Now, as it seems, he is not in manager Manuel Pellegrini's plans for the upcoming Premier League season and the East Londoners are keen to get him off their books.

To put things into perspective, Reece Oxford's involvement at West Ham has waned but he continues to be a highly-rated prospect and one should not forget that he is still only 20.

Fulham and Swansea City are both very ambitious clubs and a move to either of the Championship promotion-hopefuls would be in the best interests of his development. However, Fulham would bag a massive coup if they manage to fend off interest from Swansea and Augsburg in the race to sign the talented defender.

Fulham are yet to flex their muscles in the transfer window this summer following a season of heavy spending in the Premier League, with the Cottagers currently under pressure to cut down their wage bill and balance the books.

The West London outfit is expected to lose the services of several of their high-profile players after getting relegated from the Premier League and they would probably need to look at alternatives for the upcoming campaign.

The Cottagers finished this past season with one of the worst defensive records across the top five leagues in Europe and while a return to the Championship should make things easier for their porous and vulnerable backline, Fulham should not hesitate to bring in fresh faces to increase competition for places at the back.

Last season's loanees Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Calum Chambers and Havard Nordtveit have all returned to their parent clubs, although the likes of Maxime Le Marchand, Alfie Mawson, Tim Ream and Denis Odoi are expected to be a part of Fulham promotion push next term.

They apparently have good competition for places at the Championship level, however, Reece Oxford could possibly add that youthful exuberance and dynamism to their options at the heart of the defence.

A modern-day ball-playing centre-back, Oxford has also been used in a defensive midfield role due to his proficiency in carrying the ball forward and passing it around effortlessly to switch the play.

To add to that, he is really very quick and agile for a defender who stands at 6ft. 3 inches, meaning that Oxford has all the raw attributes to make a name for himself in English football.

With the riches of the Premier League no longer on offer, Fulham should now turn their attention to players who represent good value for money.

Oxford is certainly one of those and it should be a no-brainer for the Cottagers to snap him up this summer, as Parker prepares to get Fulham back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.   



https://soccersouls.com/fulham-signing-this-wantaway-20-year-old-star-from-london-rivals-would-solidify-their-defence-remarkably/

WhiteJC

Player Profile: Martell Taylor-Crossdale

Like London buses, you wait all Summer for a Fulham transfer, then two come at once. Frankie Taylor is here with the important information you need to know about our latest signing from Chelsea!


Key Information

Name: Martell Taylor-Crossdale
Age: 19 (26/12/1999)
Height: 6ft 1 (185cm)
Position: Striker

Strengths and weaknesses
A number nine blessed with pace to run in behind and a devilish ability to find the back of the net, Taylor-Crossdale can score with either foot. In addition to this, he has a surprisingly strong dribbling ability and fleet of foot, which could provide an intriguing option on the wings on occasion. Like Tammy Abraham at Chelsea before him, Taylor-Crossdale has shown himself to be a fox-in-the-box poacher but needs to develop his game with his back to goal.

Many of Martell's goals are 'tap-ins', displaying a knack of not only positioning himself correctly inside the box but also the hunger to score ahead of opposition defenders. When Taylor-Crossdale does drop deep, he has on occasion shown the ability to pick out passes and through balls with precision and good weight. However, don't expect 'MTC' to be a great creator of goals from the no.9 position immediately or frequently.

Whilst some strikers need multiple chances to score, more often than not, Taylor-Crossdale only needs one opportunity to put the ball in the net. Likely to start with the U23s this season, Taylor-Crossdale will benefit from deliveries out wide and through balls in behind and taking his U18 goal scoring to U23 level will hopefully lift Fulham into the promotion talk from PL2's Division 2. Martell's movement from both inside and outside of the box is effective and as already mentioned in this piece, MTC can be a demon inside of the box and a real nightmare for opposition defenders to pick up. He understands the nuances of space and shows a real ability to get in behind without being caught offside, doing so more effectively at U23 level is Taylor-Crossdale's first priority.

Whilst MTC has good size, he is still built very lean and with some good coaching and time in the gym, he will hopefully be able to get stronger in both his upper and lower body and be able to hold off men as he transitions to older age groups.

Modern teams are often playing with one up top and whilst he could get by in a more traditional strike partnership, to succeed as a lone striker in the modern game you often need to be able to play with your back your goal, hold the ball and bring your teammates into play to elongate attacks. This does somewhat tie into hold up play, but when you watch Taylor-Crossdale play, you do see that slight frame and wonder how he will cope against men rather than boys. He's still only 19 and has plenty of growth left in him to bulk out but his legs, in particular, are long and thin which bring questions about his stability when surrounded by central defenders that are much larger.

The best comparison may arguably be Jamie Vardy who on a slender frame has immense tenacity and strength whilst still maintaining the speed and movement that saw him burst onto the scene and win the title. Since the exit of Claudio Ranieri from Leicester, Vardy has expanded his game to become a more well rounded forward, especially as teams defended deeper against him and reduced the space in behind. It'd be wise to get MTC watching footage of Vardy to teach and open his eyes to some of those subtle changes and movements.

Where will he fit in at Fulham?
Martell Taylor-Crossdale will rightly spend the start of his career at Fulham with the U23s who have had a gap up top as Cameron Thompson's injuries have seen him miss a lot of game time. Taylor-Crossdale struggled to seriously break into Chelsea's U23 set up due to the sheer volume at the club and lost a bit of goalscoring momentum thanks to this (6 goals in 21 matches compared to 29 in 37 at U18 level). Whilst MTC has winners medals in two Youth Cups, two Academy titles and at the Toulon Tournament, a move to Fulham represents a change from being part of a deep, starring squad where he was team-mates to the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi to being a starter for a much smaller and youthful side (Fulham typically keep their U23s to 20 and under, rarely utilising the 21-23 limit).

Taylor-Crossdale has the raw attributes to be a really good footballer but does need work and development time. A type of talent that saw him have a medical at Hoffenheim before Fulham swooped in to clinch a deal, MTC is one of Fulham's biggest development signings for many years. Whilst the need to work and develop is there, Martell Taylor-Crossdale can absolutely be seen as a player that has a genuine pathway to the first team.

I hope this piece helped to explain the type of forward player we're getting in Taylor-Crossdale on a free from Chelsea and could be the start of a recruitment drive for Fulham's U23s with Ben Tricker of Watford currently with our U23s plus Vashon Neufville (a left-back released by West Ham this summer) and Tushaun Walters (currently of Greenwich Borough, formally of Chelsea – a winger who dominated the Isthmian League this past season) also with that age group.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2019-07-16-player-profile-martell-taylor-crossdale/

WhiteJC

Fulham facing big decision as player nears exit

Fulham must decide on whether or not to agree to a loan move for Jean Michael Seri to Galatasaray, after the 27-year-old agreed personal terms with the Turkish club, Sabah have reported.

The midfielder only joined Fulham as part of the club's big-spending summer last year, moving from French side Nice for a fee reported to be a club record £25million.

It appears however as though Seri's time at Craven Cottage will be short-lived, with Sky Sports claiming that Italian trio Napoli, Roma and AC Milan are all also interested in the 27-year-old, who is thought to want to leave England this summer.

Reports in Turkey now appear to suggest that Galatasaray have stolen a march on their rivals in the race for Seri's signature, with the Turkish champions agreeing terms with Seri, who is thought to have spoken to former Fulham teammate and new Galatasaray signing Ryan Babel about joining the club.

Galatasaray have reportedly held initial talks with Fulham about a loan move for Seri, and are expected to offer the London €1.5million to take the 27-year-old on loan for the season, with the midfielder set to earn €2.5million from the deal.

Seri, who has three years remaining on his Fulham contract, made 34 appearances in all competitions during his debut season at Craven Cottage last year, but was unable to prevent the club from suffering an immediate relegation back to the Championship after just a single season in the Premier League.

The Verdict

I'm not convinced Fulham will be too pleased with this.

Given his performances last season weren't all that convincing, and the fact that he is unlikely to be on anything like a cheap wage for the Championship, you can understand why Fulham would potentially be happy to let Seri leave this summer.

This deal however, doesn't quite seem like the best one for the London club. While it would mean they don't have to worry about his wage for a year, this is still only a loan move right now, and that leaves Fulham burdened with an expensive midfielder who doesn't want to be there again in 12 months' time.

It seems therefore that both Fulham and Seri would be better suited to a permanent split, and you wonder what the Cottagers will make of Galatasaray agreeing personal terms with Seri before having an offer accepted by the club.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-facing-big-decision-as-player-nears-exit/


WhiteJC

Have Leeds made a mistake as Fulham reportedly near Callum O'Dowda?

Fulham are reportedly in talks to sign Callum O'Dowda from Bristol City after Championship rivals Leeds United looked at other options instead.

So after months of speculation, Bristol City winger Callum O'Dowda could be about to sign for a Championship club wearing white. But it isn't Leeds United.

According to Sky Sports, Fulham are in talks to sign an Ireland international who has just one year left on his contract and seems unlikely to sign a new one. The Cottagers are as yet unwilling to meet his £8 million price-tag but it seems that they are honing in on one of the league's most underrated forwards nonetheless.

After pulling off a minor miracle by convincing Aleksandar Mitrovic to sign a new deal, and landing Wolves' Ivan Cavaleiro on loan, the addition of O'Dowda could give Fulham boss Scott Parker a forward line capable of taking the Championship by storm next season.

And only time will tell whether Leeds have made the right decision backing off O'Dowda after tracking the winger since January.

According to The Mirror, Marcelo Bielsa's side prioritised Helder Costa instead and, with Jack Harrison and Jake Clarke returning to Elland Road too, they have more than enough quality in wide areas.

Costa, however, is only on loan, albeit with an option to buy. Clarke will join Tottenham in 2020 while Harrison, who is also in West Yorkshire on a temporary basis, is surely out of Leeds' reach permanently at £20 million (The Sun).

It is not beyond the realms of possibility that all three wingers could be on their way out of Elland Road this time next year. Costa, Clarke and Harrison are all potentially short-term additions with immediate promotion in mind.

O'Dowda, however, would at least have given Leeds some security beyond the next 12 months.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/07/16/have-leeds-made-a-mistake-as-fulham-reportedly-near-callum-odowd/

WhiteJC

'Certainly worth taking a chance on' – Fulham, Swansea in transfer chase: Six pointer

With just 17 days until the Championship season kicks off preparations are underway as clubs look to give themselves the best chance for the 2019/20 campaign.

Two clubs where the preparations are going to be particularly important are Fulham and Swansea City.

Fulham were relegated from the Premier League last season and will be hoping that they can secure a return to the top flight in Scott Parker's first full season in charge.

Swansea are preparing for a first season under new boss Steve Cooper, who arrived at the Liberty Stadium in June after Graham Potter left the club to join Brighton.

Both sides will be looking to be shrewd in the transfer market and it seems they are set to battle it out over the signing of Reece Oxford from West Ham United.

We assess the situation surrounding the two club's pursuit of Oxford in our latest Six Pointer...

What is Oxford's current situation?

"The 20-year-old still has two years left on his contract with the Hammers but he seems unlikely to feature in Manuel Pelligrini's plans for the upcoming season and will surely leave the club this summer.

"The Englishman was sent out on loan twice last season and was not included in West Ham's 23-man squad for the Premier League Asia Trophy in China.

"According to Sky Sports, Fulham and Swansea are monitoring Oxford and are considering offers to take him on season-long loans."

What does he offer?

"Oxford showed in glimpses early in his West Ham career that he is a talented player but has struggled to find consistent play-time and form since.

"He made nine appearances on loan at Ausburg in the second half of last season and impressed coach Martin Schmidt, who told Kicker magazine (via Sky Sports) that he "has the potential to become a big player."

"The England youth international is comfortable playing in both central midfield and at centre-back so would provide some versatility.

"At 20, Oxford is still very much a young man and having shown in the past that he has raw talent, he is certainly worth taking a chance on."

Do Fulham need him?

"He could be a useful asset for Parker but he is not desperately needed.

"The English coach does already have a number of quality options in both central defence and defensive midfield.

"Having been relegated last season, Fulham may be expecting a few of their big-name midfielders, such as Jean Michele Seri and Andre Zambo Anguissa, to leave.

"Oxford could be a good replacement."

Do Swansea City need him?

"Cooper only has three centre-backs in the squad, so he could do with adding cover there, and he also lacks an out-and-out defensive midfielder.

"Oxford's versatility across the two positions means he could be an ideal solution for both issues."

Which is the more attractive option?

"Looking at the squads, Fulham seem the more likely to be challenging at the top of the table this season.

"The London side would also offer Oxford the chance to learn from Parker, who is a former England defensive midfielder.

"However, Oxford has been starved of playing time in recent years, making 24 appearances in four loan spells, and Swansea seems to be the club where he is likely to get more opportunities.

"Additionally, the new Swans boss has a history of developing young players and the 20-year-old may believe playing under him would be more beneficial to his career."

Does he have other options?

"Yes, Oxford has been linked with rejoining Ausburg on a permanent deal.

"Sky Sports have reported that negotiations between the Hammers and the German side have reopened after the player dropped his previous demands over a relegation release clause.

"The report suggests that the deal for Oxford is worth £2.7 million."



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/certainly-worth-taking-a-chance-on-fulham-swansea-in-transfer-chase-six-pointer/

WhiteJC

Despite Fulham midfielder links, price may come as something of a shock

Tuttosport has today one of their big stories about all the targets that a certain Serie A club have for the rest of the summer transfer window.

It's claimed that AC Milan are looking for players of almost every position. For the midfield, one of the top names on the list is Jordan Veretout, who could actually be heading to Roma.

It means the Rossoneri need to find an alternative, and that's when two new names pop up: Jean Michael Seri and Rodolfo Pizarro.

Regarding the Fulham player, Tuttosport claims that his agent 'hasn't denied' that they are evaluating the offers to leave the West London side, who will be playing in the Championship this season.

Seri's agent has indeed been speaking to the Italian media and teasing with a transfer to Serie A, but we wonder how much would Milan invest in the signing.

Especially because according to Tuttosport, Pizarro has a release clause of only €8m at Monterrey. With Fulham certainly demanding a lot more for Seri, the Mexican player would be a much more reasonable target for Milan.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/despite-fulham-midfielder-links-price-may-come-something-shock/


WhiteJC

Fulham's new signing needed fresh challenge to get his career back on track – Opinion

Another player who helped Wolves with their promotion has been allowed to leave. Benfica graduate Helder Costa moved to Leeds United last week, and his compatriot Ivan Cavaleiro has sealed a transfer to Fulham.

Cavaleiro's arrival at Fulham adds significant depth to the wide positions. The 25-year-old joined Wolves back in 2016 from Monaco, under the watchful managerial eye of fellow countryman Nuno Espírito Santo.

The London club were pleased with their business with the owner Khan stating, "Ivan Cavaleiro is a great addition to Fulham FC.

"A top target for us for years, a top player in a squad that won the Championship two years ago".


With Cavaleiro and Costa leaving the club, this leaves Wolves with only three forwards: Diogo Jota, Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore. Santo must be looking through his resources to see who they could bring into the club and strengthen their attacking options.

Valued at €10 million according to Transfermarkt, Cavaleiro may find the drop down to the Championship a beneficial move for future interested clubs. He starred in the Wolves promotion-winning campaign, managing 9 goals and 12 assists. He was unable to back that form up in the Premier League last season, only registering 3 goals and 1 assist over the 23 appearances.

Cavaleiro will compete with the likes of Ryan Sessegnon, Neeskens Kebano and Floyd Ayité for a starting spot. With Sessegnon tipped for an immediate return to the Premier League with Tottenham, Cavaleiro could jump the queue and get the nod immediately, however.

Fulham do have the option to buy the Portuguese international at the end of the season, if they are pleased with his performances in their campaign push to be automatically promoted back to the big time.

Cavaleiro's contract at Wolves does end next summer, and he will be allowed to leave for free next summer if a permanent transfer does not eventuate before that.

This appears to be an excellent piece of well-planned business for the London club, however, it now fuels the question many Wolves' supporters are asking; with Costa and Cavaleiro gone, who is Santo going to bring in to beef-up their attack this season? As they make a push for another top 7 finish.



https://madaboutepl.net/2019/07/fulhams-new-signing-ivan-cavaleiro-needed-fresh-challenge/

WhiteJC

Opinion: Daniel Levy needs to act fast to avoid seeing Tottenham miss out on key target

Tottenham and Ryan Sessegnon have been mentioned together on more than a handful of occasions this summer, yet at the moment nothing has been agreed.

However, with Manchester United, Juventus, PSG, RB Leipzig, Aston Villa and Inter Milan circling, the Lilywhites need to act fast.

The interest from the aforementioned clubs comes from a more recent article in The Telegraph, and whilst the same article claims that the Lilywhites are confident of wrapping up a £25m deal for the Fulham teenager before the end of the transfer window on August 9th, anything can happen in football.

Back in early June, The Guardian ran a story that claimed Ryan Sessegnon had told Fulham he would not be signing a new contract at Craven Cottage in an attempt to push through a move to Spurs, although over a month later and that move has not yet come to fruition.

That may be because of disagreements over the price of the player. At the end of June, The Sun claimed that Spurs were confident of bringing in the impressive teenager for around £25m, although Fulham were supposedly holding out for a fee closer to £45m for their star asset.

It's hard to know what's true and what's not during the hectic time that is the transfer window, but as the time slowly ticks down, with just 23 days left for Premier League side's to bring players in this summer, Levy and Pochettino will have to make progress sooner or later, or risk losing out on the player.

If the sticking point is the fee then the club need to evaluate whether or not negotiating with Fulham is worth it. The likes of Juventus, PSG and Manchester United certainly aren't lacking in funds, and if it becomes about money then the Lilywhites could lose the only edge they have, with Sessegnon wanting a Tottenham move.

It may just be that Levy and co. are waiting for a departure in the squad, seeing as The Daily Mail have claimed that Danny Rose could leave, allowing the Doncaster-born defender to leave before signing Sessgenon makes sense, but it's still being left too late to be comfortable with the supporters.



https://spurs.vitalfootball.co.uk/opinion-daniel-levy-needs-to-act-fast-to-avoid-seeing-tottenham-miss-out-on-key-target/