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Thursday Fulham Stuff - 16/01/20...

Started by WhiteJC, January 15, 2020, 09:43:34 AM

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WhiteJC

Southampton eyeing up swoop for Joe Bryan

Southampton are eyeing up a January swoop for Fulham left-back Joe Bryan before the end of the window.

According to Football Insider, Southampton are interested in a deal to sign the defender as they look to bolster their squad this month.

The report claims that Fulham would be willing to let him leave for a fee in the region of £7m. He has started 24 of Fulham's 27 league games so far this season in the Championship.

READ SOUTHAMPTON VERDICT

Bryan has recorded an impressive WhoScored rating of 7.14 for Fulham in the Championship this season. Whilst it must be noted that it is in a division below the Saints, this rating would put him top of Southampton's squad this season. The club's current left-back, Ryan Bertrand, has averaged a score of just 6.44.

This suggests that Bryan has the potential to be a good addition to Southampton's squad, if he could translate his performances to the Premier League. However, it could also be a smart signing as Southampton only have one senior left-back in their squad. Bertrand is the only option available to Ralph Hasenhuttl at the moment, which means that Bryan would add some much-needed competition for places in that area of the pitch. This could help to improve Bertrand's performances, as he would know that someone is trying to take his place in the team – motivating him to up his game.



https://readsouthampton.com/2020/01/15/southampton-eyeing-up-swoop-for-joe-bryan/

WhiteJC

'It is not a question of money... Moussa will be with us': Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas rules out selling striker Dembele AGAIN amid Premier League interest in the January window

    Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has again ruled out selling Moussa Dembele
    Chelsea and Manchester United are both interested in buying the French striker
    Aulas will not consider letting his prized asset leave the club in January though

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has once again ruled out selling Moussa Dembele in the January transfer window.

Chelsea are very interested in securing a deal for the French striker, while Manchester United are also keen on landing the former Celtic and Fulham star.

It was thought that it would be near impossible to get Dembele out of the Ligue 1 side before the end of this month and Aulas has once again shut down any talk of letting his prized asset go.


Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has dismissed the chance of striker Moussa Dembele leaving

Speaking on RMC, he said: 'We have not changed our minds. We already made this issue clear in August.

'Moussa is an excellent player. A player who we need.

'We are taking explicit measures in our recruitment to not bring someone in who will compete for his position. It is not a question of money. Moussa will be with us.'

Scouts from both Manchester City and United, as well as Premier League rivals Newcastle and West Ham, were in attendance to watch Dembele score in Lyon's win at Bordeaux last week.

Chelsea have also watched him in action and the Blues had a bid rejected by Lyon earlier this month, but Sportsmail understands they are still keen on the 23-year-old despite his current side saying they have no intention of selling him.

He has hit 11 goals in Ligue 1 already this season and his tally for the campaign across all competitions stands at 14.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is free to spend after the Blues were banned from making signings in the summer and has identified Dembele as a player who would improve his forward options.

Solskjaer, meanwhile, desperately needs another forward option having failed to sign a replacement for Romelu Lukaku in the summer.

United have been far too reliant on Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial so far this campaign and need another regular source of goals in their pursuit of Champions League football.

Dembele's history — he started his professional career at Fulham before moving to Celtic and then Lyon — means a move to west London should be no problem.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7889247/Lyon-president-rules-selling-striker-Moussa-Dembele-again.html

WhiteJC

Report: West Ham switch attention to Fulham's Marcus Bettinelli after Randolph and Etheridge problems

According to a report from the Telegraph, West Ham are eyeing a move for Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli as a potential alternative to Darren Randolph and Neil Etheridge.

The Hammers currently have real problems in the goalkeeping department.

Moves for Randolph and Etheridge seem to be stagnating. The Middlesbrough ace's proposed move back to West Ham has hit a brick wall because of concerns regarding the outcome of his medical.

Meanwhile, in Etheridge's case, the Hammers and Cardiff City seem to be a long way apart in their respective valuations of the 29-year-old.

And because of those problems, the Telegraph claims that West Ham have switched their attention to Fulham's Marcus Bettinelli.

Would the Fulham man be a good signing for the Hammers?

The 27-year-old has played 14 Championship games for the Cottagers this season. And he has let in just 15 goals, keeping four clean sheets in the process.

Standing at 6ft 4in tall, Bettinelli is an imposing figure, and he commands his penalty area with authority.

The Camberwell-born goalkeeper is a decent shot stopper, and he possesses impressive reflexes. He would undoubtedly be an upgrade on Roberto and David Martin.

It remains unclear, however, as to whether Scott Parker – a three-time Hammer of the Year winner, will be prepared to allow Bettinelli to leave Craven Cottage this month.

The 27-year-old is under contract with Fulham until the summer of 2021 (with an option of a further year). So West Ham will probably have to pay a decent fee in order to prise him away from the west London club.

And considering his lack of Premier League experience and calibre, that might just be a problem. Especially with the way the Hammers owners think.



https://www.hammers.news/club-news/report-west-ham-switch-attention-to-fulhams-marcus-bettinelli-after-randolph-and-etheridge-problems/


WhiteJC

Games for the Week-end 17/01
Another evening kick-off at the Cottage, this time we face Jonathan Woodgate's Middlesborough.
After an unexpected? win away to Hull last time the only fly in the ointment was Mitro's injury, hopefully its not as serious as it looked.
Cavalerio scored another worldy, and I can't help thinking that signing him on a permanent deal must have been done to free up a loan slot? good signing though and I wonder if Arter and Knockheart will follow.

Middlesborough are on a bit of a run, drawing with Spurs and Derby and beating both West Brom and Preston NE.
Tuesday evenings FA Cup replay against Spurs ended up a close game with 'borough fighting back in the second half and only loosing 2-1 so they'll be raring to go Friday evening.

Things are pretty even between us and 'borough, we've won 6, lost 5 and drawn 4.

COYWs

Games of Interest...
Friday 17th

Fulham v Middlesborough

Saturday 18th
QPR v Leeds
Huddersfield v Brentford
Millwall v Reading
Preston NE v Charlton
Swansea v Wigan

Sunday 19th
Nottm Forest v Luton

Monday 20th
West Brom v Stoke


come on over to the forum and join in the discussion...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1059

WhiteJC

Report: West Ham eyeing Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli

West Ham United are interested in signing Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, with The Telegraph suggesting that there is doubt over their move for Darren Randolph.

It had appeared that Randolph was on the verge of a return to the Hammers this month. But The Telegraph has suggested that a thigh injury has left a question mark over the move.

David Moyes has reportedly been left frustrated in his pursuit of the Republic of Ireland international. And The Telegraph is now suggesting that Bettinelli is on the Irons' radar.

It is reported that Middlesbrough would be interested in the 27-year-old if Randolph leaves. There is also said to be interest from abroad. Fulham meanwhile, could reportedly target Jordan Archer if they lose the stopper.

TBR View – West Ham fans must be forgiven for frustration

While West Ham may be right to avoid a move for Randolph if he is carrying an injury, you could certainly understand why their pursuit of a goalkeeper would leave some of their fans tearing their hair out.

It has been clear for some time that the Hammers have needed a better backup for Lukasz Fabianski. Roberto was coming in for serious criticism heading into the international break back in November.

With that in mind, West Ham should arguably have had the situation addressed by now – even with the problems that they have had in their pursuit of Randolph.

Bettinelli has been a decent performer for the Cottagers, but he has not played for Scott Parker's men since November with Marek Rodak keeping him out of the team.

It would arguably be an underwhelming move to sign the 27-year-old this month. But West Ham surely cannot afford to let their goalkeeper search continue much longer with other problems to address.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-west-ham-eyeing-fulham-goalkeeper-marcus-bettinelli/

WhiteJC

Southampton looking to strike agreement with Fulham for transfer of 26-y/o

According to Football Insider, Southampton are set to swoop in for Fulham left-back Joe Bryan this month.

The Saints are hoping they can bolster their ranks with another defender that can compete with Ryan Bertrand for the position on the left-side of the defence.

Bryan has been valued by Fulham at over £5 million and if he is to go, the club will be hoping they can get in a good fund for the player who has been a pivotal part of their Championship side this season.

The full-back was a regular during their relegation from the Premier League last season, and will hope that if the move goes through, he doesn't suffer the same fate with Southampton.

Bryan has proved himself in the Championship on many occasions at Bristol City, and now Fulham so it'll be interesting to see if Southampton see him as ready to become a key part of a Premier League squad.

The Verdict

Bryan would be a good signing for Southampton, and he's a player that can often lift a performance due to his drive to want to play on the front foot.

He's a very athletic player and enjoys attacking, which can sometimes mean that he is defensively vulnerable due to his positioning on the pitch. This is something that normally does improve with age but it would be important for Ralph Hasenhuttl to notice that.

For Fulham, they'd have to start looking for a replacement as Steven Sessegnon isn't quite up to the required standard just yet. If they can get some good funds for the player, then a replacement shouldn't be hard to find.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/southampton-looking-to-strike-agreement-with-fulham-for-transfer-of-26-y-o/


WhiteJC

Curry Night returns for the visit of Fulham to The Valley

The club's popular Curry Night makes yet another appearance with Fulham's visit to The Valley on Wednesday, January 22nd.

The menu is still to be confirmed, but those who have booked before will know just how popular this event can be.

Tickets are £30+ VAT per person for dining only or you can include a match ticket for £45+VATpp if you are not a season-ticket holder already. Price also includes a pint or soft drink and a copy of the club's matchday programme, Valley Review. Supporters an book their place by clicking here.

Supporters can email any questions to [email protected] or call 0208 333 4050 to book (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Please inform of any dietary requirements when booking.



https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/view/5e1d94169ad85/curry-night-returns-for-the-visit-of-fulham-to-the-valleynbsp

WhiteJC

Fulham close to sealing transfer swoop for 26-year-old

Fulham are set to complete the signing of goalkeeper Jordan Archer following the completion of his medical at the West London side, according to Football Insider.

Archer is a free agent after his one-month stint at Oxford United came to an end earlier this month, and it now appears as though Fulham are putting the finishing touches on a deal to bring him to Craven Cottage after agreeing personal terms with the stopper.

The 26-year-old is reportedly set to sign a contract until the end of the current season with Scott Parker's side, and he is expected to provide competition for Marek Rodak who is the Cottagers' first-choice goalkeeper after playing their last 12 league games.

Archer will now bring some added Championship experience to the club's goalkeeping department, with the Tottenham youth product having made 69 second-tier appearances during his four-year stint at Millwall which ended back in the summer.

He managed to keep three clean sheets in his eight appearances for Oxford during his brief stint with the League One side, and it now appears his displays have caught the attention of Fulham who look set to secure his services.

The Verdict

This seems like a strange addition given Archer could not find a club for some time following the end of his contract at Millwall, but the 26-year-old has surely been signed with the sole aim of adding depth to the Fulham side.

Rodak now appears to have established himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper after ousting Marcus Bettinelli from the role, and it looks like Archer will merely provide a back-up option between the sticks.

This arrival may suggest that Bettinelli could be on the move this window after falling out of favour under Parker at Craven Cottage, and this would open the door to either Archer or academy product Magnus Norman stepping up to the bench.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-close-to-sealing-transfer-swoop-for-26-year-old/

WhiteJC

Win tickets to Charlton Athletic v Fulham match!

Carabao Energy Drink has teamed up with the South London Press to give 10 lucky Charlton fans the chance to win a pair of tickets to Charlton Athletic v Fulham on Saturday 25th January.

Currently in the third year of its partnership with the EFL, which includes the title sponsorship of the Carabao Cup, South-East Asian energy drink Carabao is proud to support all 72 football league clubs for the 2019/20 season.

Carabao Energy Drinks are great-tasting, fruity low sugar and no sugar drinks that provide an energy boost for everyone, specifically adults of all ages, to get them through their day. Carabao has half the sugar of other leading energy drinks and comes in a range of flavours that taste just like soft drinks, such as Green Apple, Mandarin Orange, Original, Green Apple Sugar Free and Original Sugar Free.

Carabao is currently stocked in Asda, BP, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Spar, WHSmith, as well as a significant number of independent retailers.

To be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize, simply answer the following question: Where do Charlton Athletic play their home games?

Good Luck and Get Game Ready!

Terms and conditions apply.

Deadline for entries is midday on Friday January 17. Send your answers to
[email protected] .

For more information about Carabao, please visit :http://www.carabaoenergy.co.uk , @CarabaoUK



https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/win-tickets-to-charlton-athletic-v-fulham-match/


WhiteJC

Ibrox Exclusive: Fulham plot move to sign Rangers first-team star this month

Fulham are plotting a move to sign Rangers defender Connor Goldson this month, Football Insider can reveal.

The London-based Championship outfit are looking to strengthen their back line before the transfer window shuts on 31 January.

A Fulham source has told Football Insider that the club are keeping close tabs on Goldson, 27, after being impressed by his performances for Rangers this season.

The commanding centre-back has more than two years remaining on his contract with the Scottish giants, signed when he joined for £3million 18 months ago.

He is a firm favourite of manager Steven Gerrard, who has started him in virtually every match since he took the reins.

Rangers would value the 6ft 3in colossus at a higher price than what they paid after his outstanding domestic and Europa League performances.

It is unlikely Gerrard would be willing to let him go this month ahead of what promises to be a thrilling second half of the campaign at Ibrox.

Goldson has been a mainstay of the Rangers team since his arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2018.

He has barely missed a match and been integral to the team's resurgence as they look to end Celtic's bid to win a ninth consecutive league title.

Goldson has already made 36 appearances for Rangers this season, all of which have been in the starting XI.

Since signing for the Light Blues, he has remarkably already played 90 games for the club and never as a substitute.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/ibrox-exclusive-fulham-plot-move-to-sign-rangers-first-team-star-this-month/

WhiteJC

Report: Southampton join Premier League rivals in race to sign £6m Englishman

Fulham's Championship left-back Joe Bryan is reportedly a target for Nigel Pearson's Watford and Ralph Hasenhuttl's Saints.

Southampton have joined Watford in showing interest in Fulham left-back Joe Bryan, according to the Daily Mail.

These days, most clubs want at least two reliable options for each position so the fact that Ryan Bertrand remains the only top quality left-back at St Mary's is a concern for a side who, despite a dramatic return to form in recent weeks, are not out of the relegation woods just yet.

Cedric Soares and Yan Valery have both filled in on the left under Ralph Hasenhuttl but they are far more comfortable on the opposition flank, while long-time benchwarmer Matt Targett was sold to Aston Villa over the summer.

So Bryan, one of the finest full-backs in the Football League, would fill a gap in Hasenhuttl's squad should he choose Southampton over Premier League rivals Watford.

The former Bristol City flyer, a £6 million signing for The Cottagers in 2018, has produced 16 assists in his last three-and-a-half Championship campaigns with his boundless energy and pinpoint crosses making him a big hit wherever he goes.

Fulham manager Scott Parker has even deployed Bryan in a more attacking position of late, with the 26-year-old capable of playing as an orthodox left-back or in an advanced wing-back role.

The West London outfit will not let one of their key players leave on the cheap, however, with Fulham jostling to earn promotion back to the Premier League.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/01/15/do-report-southampton-join-premier-league-rivals-in-race-to-sign/

WhiteJC


Cottage Talk Post Match Show: Hull City vs. Fulham

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode, Max Cohen and Yannis Tjanetis shared their views on this huge road victory for Fulham against Hull City.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/1/15/21066865/cottage-talk-post-match-show-hull-city-vs-fulham


WhiteJC

Fulham targeting Rangers defender Connor Goldson

Fulham are targeting Rangers defender Connor Goldson, according to a report by Football Insider.

The London side want to bolster their defensive options in this transfer window and have set their sights on the former Premier League centre-back.

Goldson, who is 27 years old, joined Rangers in June 2018 from Brighton and Hove Albion and has impressed for the Glasgow side in the Scottish Premiership since his move.

Fulham are now hoping to tempt him back down the border to help in their push for promotion from the Championship under Scott Parker, though he could prove tough to lure away from Ibrox.

Goldson was born in Wolverhampton and started his career at Shrewsbury Town. He went on to make 120 appearances for the Shrews, chipping in with eight goals along the way. He also had a loan spell away at Cheltenham Town as a youngster.

The 6ft 3inc defender was snapped up by Brighton in 2015 and helped the Seagulls gain promotion to the top flight in his second season at the club.

He made eight appearances in all competitions under Chris Hughton during Brighton's first season in the top tier before leaving for Rangers that summer.

Goldson is a key player for Steven Gerrard's side and they paid £3 million for him 18 months ago, meaning it will take a hefty fee for Fulham to bring him to Craven Cottage this winter.

The Cottagers have so far signed Ivan Cavaleiro on a permanent deal from Wolves this month but are expected to be busy between now and the window closing.



https://the72.co.uk/154773/fulham-targeting-rangers-defender-connor-goldson/

WhiteJC

Boro Train At Crystal Palace Ahead Of Fulham Clash

Twelve hours after leaving the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Boro's players were back on the training ground ahead of Friday's clash with Fulham.

Jonathan Woodgate's squad have stayed in the capital to reduce the travelling between games, and while the starting XI from Tottenham underwent a recovery session, the non-starters had a more demanding morning.

Crystal Palace have kindly agreed to allow the club to use their training facilities before the game at Fulham.

"We can't thank Palace enough," said Woodgate. "Dougie Freedman and Palace have been brilliant in allowing us to come here and train like this."



https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/gallery-boro-train-at-crystal-palace-ahead-of-fulham-clash

WhiteJC

'Shame,' 'Let him go' – Plenty of Fulham fans debate player's future as departure rumours surface

Fulham are in a good position heading into the latter stages of the season, but things could get tough for the side with defender Joe Bryan linked away.

It has been reported that Southampton are set to rival Watford for the left-back who has featured in the majority of Fulham's Championship games so far this season.

Bryan signed for the Cottagers before the start of the last campaign but he struggled to get to grips with the world class attackers in the Premier League and was part of a Fulham defence that was relegated to the Championship.

If Fulham want to keep him at the club, they'll have to wave away any potential bids from the top division, although Scott Parker may already be looking at replacements if his side can get a good sum for the player.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/shame-let-him-go-plenty-of-fulham-fans-debate-players-future-as-departure-rumours-surface/


WhiteJC

Man of the Match Result

Ivan Cavaleiro capped a fine week by taking home the Man of the Match award from our win over Hull City.


It was announced on Tuesday that his loan switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers had been made permanent, and he celebrated that by hitting the winning goal at the weekend.

In a game that was low on quality, it was ironic that the difference was a moment of pure class. When a weak clearance fell straight to Cavaleiro, he needed no second invitation to arc a stunning right footed shot inside the far post from a tight angle.

It's exactly the sort of goal we've come to expect from the Portuguese this season, with goalkeeper George Long not even bothering to move, such was the accuracy of the strike.

Cavaleiro was influential in all aspects of his game on Saturday, with three crosses, tackles, and successful dribbles, while he also won possession of the ball eight times.

There was only ever going to be one winner for Man of the Match, with Cavaleiro claiming 59.8 per cent of the votes. Kevin McDonald – on his first league appearance since November – came second with 10 per cent, ahead of third place Marek Rodák (8.1).



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/january/13/man-of-the-match-result

WhiteJC

Aleksandar Mitrovic: Fulham striker set for short lay-off with ankle ligament injury


Aleksandar Mitrovic signed a new five-year contract at Fulham earlier this season

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic may not be out of action for as long as originally feared with an ankle injury.

The Serbia international was taken off on a stretcher with ligament damage in the closing stages of his side's 1-0 win at Hull City on Saturday.

Manager Scott Parker confirmed the 25-year-old should be in contention for a return in two to three weeks.

"Initially, we were nervous and he left the stadium in a boot," said Parker. "But he's quite robust."

Mitrovic is the joint-leading goalscorer in the Championship with 18 in 26 appearances this season.

"It is not ideal when your leading goalscorer gets injured," Parker told BBC Radio London.

"We were worried it might have be a little bit longer but, although there is damage there, we hope we can turn him around in a few weeks."

Fulham are fourth in the table, seven points off the automatic promotion places. They host Middlesbrough on Friday before a London derby at Charlton on Wednesday.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51123223

WhiteJC

Club confirm they're in talks to sign Fulham player – Weekend presentation suggested

Luca de la Torre has been with Fulham since 2013, when he moved from the wonderfully named San Diego Surf.

The 21 year old made five appearances in the Championship in the 2017/18 season, and hasn't managed to better that since. With just a handful of minutes in the league so far this season, the midfielder has had to get by on Premier League 2 football, with the odd cup appearance.

He could soon be moving on permanently, given that his contract with Fulham expires at the end of June. Now is the time for the youngster and his representatives to be speaking with other clubs, and that's exactly what he's doing.

Sweden's Fotboll Direkt report De la Torres is in talks over a move to Djurgården. They've got that information from several sources close to the potential deal, and had it confirmed by a Djurgården official.

Bosse Andersson, the club's sporting director is quoted as saying: "It is true that we have contact with Luca de la Torre. We've been talking to him for a while. But without us yet agreeing.

"This isn't a player just known to us today. This player is well known to us since a good time back. He's interesting. He's a good player with great qualities, but as I said we have no agreement."

Fotboll Direkt put it to Andersson that they're had information the Fulham player could be presented this weekend, to which he said: "You say the weekend? It's too early to say. It is not possible to say as it is now."

Clearly, it sounds like this is a move which could happen before De la Torre's contract expires, but there's no mention of a potential fee for Fulham.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-confirm-theyre-talks-sign-fulham-player/


WhiteJC

Aleksandar Mitrovic shares significant news regarding Fulham injury absence

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has confirmed he will be out for between two and four weeks after suffering an injury against Hull on the weekend.

The 25-year-old has been an integral figure for the Cottagers this campaign after so far netting 18 goals in his 26 appearances, but there were concerns when he was forced off with an injury in the 80th minute of his side's 1-0 win over Hull on Saturday.

Mitrovic was carried off on a stretcher in the final 10 minutes of the clash at the KCOM Stadium, but it now seems that the injury blow is not as bad as first feared, with the Serbia international having now provided an insight to the length of his lay-off.

Speaking to Serbian outlet Buta Sport, Mitrovic has claimed he has been ruled out of action for between two and four weeks after rupturing an ankle ligament, with this potentially ruling the frontman out for around seven of the Cottagers' matches.

"I will be out between 2-4 weeks. I have ruptured a ligament on my ankle," Mitrovic said.

The former Newcastle man is the Championship's joint-top goalscorer following a prolific first half of the campaign, with his goals playing a pivotal role in helping to propel Fulham up to fourth in the second-tier table.

The Verdict

There was reason for serious worry when Mitrovic left the pitch with what had appeared to be a very serious injury, so the fact he has only been ruled out for a matter of weeks will come as a big boost for Fulham's promotion hopes.

The West London side have heavily depended on Mitrovic's goalscoring exploits so far this campaign, which means their promotion bid would seriously suffer without his services, but it now seems he will be back in action before the end of February.

This now presents an opportunity for Bobby Reid to lead the Fulham line in his fellow frontman's absence, with the ex-Cardiff man having already proven this campaign that he is capable of scoring goals for Parker's men.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/aleksandar-mitrovic-shares-significant-news-regarding-fulham-injury-absence/

WhiteJC

Southampton muscle in on the race to sign Fulham star

Southampton have joined a host of Premier League clubs expressing an interest in signing Fulham full-back Joe Bryan, according to reports.

The Saints are looking to strengthen their squad at full-back and, according to the Daily Mail, the club have Bryan on their radar.

The Hampshire side will have to fend off the likes of Watford, Crystal Palace and Italian club Atalanta, who are also said to be interested in the Englishman.

Reports suggest Watford and Atalanta have already contacted Fulham regarding a possible transfer.

Bryan is in fine form in a Fulham side hopeful for a Premier League return in May.

Fulham boss Scott Parker has advanced Bryan to a more offensive role this season and the defender has notched up three Championship assists already.

The 26-year-old has Premier League experience having played for Fulham last season, where the Cottagers were relegated following a 19th-placed finish.

Bryan joined Fulham from Bristol City and has been a regular in the first team ever since, attracting big clubs since hitting form last season.

The defender has only missed one game in Fulham's Championship campaign, offering solidarity at the back as well as an offensive presence.

Bryan has played for Fulham 57 times, bagging two goals in the process.

Parker is set to strengthen his own back line, with the club expected to snap up Scotland keeper Jordan Archer in the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile in the league, Fulham are still putting up a good chase for the automatic spots.

The Cottagers ran out 1-0 winners at Hull last time out, moving up to fourth in the process.

Fulham will be looking at returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking, with the club managing – so far – to keep hold of Premier League talent, such as Bryan and league top scorer Aleksandar Mitrović.

Next up, the Whites host in-form Middlesbrough – who have promotion ambitions themselves – and whether Bryan's speculation will have developed in that time remains to be seen.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/southampton-muscle-in-on-the-race-to-sign-fulham-star-joe-bryan