Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 03/06/20...

[WhiteJC]

Fulham have option sign Brighton and Hove Albion winger permanently

Fulham have the option to sign brighton and hove albion loanee Anthony knockaert on a permanent basis this summer.

The winger has spent this past season on loan at Craven Cottage from the Seagulls with the view to a permanent move, as detailed on Fulham's official club website when he signed last year.

Knockaert, who is 28 years old, was seen as quite the coup by the Cottagers last July and has gone onto make 34 appearances this term, chipping in with four goals and five assists.

Fulham's likelihood of landing him on a permanent basis could depend on whether they are promoted this season. They currently sit 3rd in the Championship table and are six points behind West Bromwich Albion in the automatic promotion places.

Knockaert knows what it takes to get out of the second tier. He played a huge part in Brighton's promotion under Chris Hughton in 2017 by scoring 15 goals in that campaign.

He also helped Leicester City win the Championship title six years ago so his experience could come in handy for Parker's side for the remaining games of this season.

The London side have a big decision to make over his future at the club this summer. If they fail to get promoted, it is likely that the Frenchman will return to Brighton and either force his way back into their side or move to another side.

Fulham opted to make Ivan Cavaleiro's loan from Wolves permanent in January, will they do the same for Knockaert over the coming months?



https://the72.co.uk/169992/fulham-have-option-sign-brighton-and-hove-albion-winger-permanently/

[WhiteJC]

 Sky Sports EFL Podcast: What's next for the Championship, League One and League Two?
With the Championship set for a return, but matters still up in the air for League One and League Two, the Sky Sports EFL Podcast assesses all the latest talking points.

Sky Sports EFL presenter Jonathan Oakes is joined by David Prutton and Keith Andrews to discuss all the latest developments surrounding the restart of the Championship, and the latest state of play in League One and League Two.

The Championship have announced a provisional restart date on the weekend of June 20, subject to all safety requirements and government guidelines being met.

The podcast assesses whether it will be enough time to prepare, take a look at those who are opposing the restart dates and what has changed at some changes since the suspension of the season in March.

League One is proving more difficult as the clubs are still divided on what to do and a vote is set to take place on Monday, June 8 to determine the next steps.

League Two clubs have found some common ground. They have voted to curtail the regular season and finalise the table on points per game. Initially they wanted to scrap relegation this season, but the EFL board have ruled that option out, providing they have assurances from the National League that any club they relegate will have somewhere to play next season. A vote to finalise the situation is also set to take place on Monday, June 8.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11998669/sky-sports-efl-podcast-whats-next-for-the-championship-league-one-and-league-two

[WhiteJC]

'I'm not convinced' – Fulham register interest in signing 24-year-old: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Fulham are reportedly rivalling Middlesbrough and Reading to the potential signing of Oxford United defender Rob Dickie according to The Mirror.

Dickie has been hugely impressive for the U's in League One this season, as they remain well in contention to win promotion into the Championship.

The defender has made 46 appearances in all competitions this term, and it appears as though his strong performances haven't gone unnoticed heading into the summer transfer window.

A move to Fulham could be tempting for Dickie, with the Cottagers challenging for promotion into the Premier League under the management of Scott Parker.

They're sat third in the second-tier standings with nine matches remaining, and will be keen to return to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

But would Fulham need Dickie in their ranks ahead of next season, especially if they're in the Premier League?

We discuss....

Ned Holmes:

Dickie has been really impressive for Oxford United this season and he certainly deserves a chance to cut his teeth above League One level.

I can see why Fulham would be interested in bringing Dickie to Craven Cottage and I think this could be a move that works out.

We know that Parker likes his team to play out from the back and the 24-year-old would certainly allow him to do that.

Fulham already have Alfie Mawson, Michael Hector, and Tim Ream but adding someone of Dickie's quality would help to strengthen that group and give them long-term cover.

Sam Rourke:

If Fulham do get promoted this season, then they should swerve this deal.

There is no denying that Dickie is an impressive defender, with him undoubtedly being one of Oxford United's standout stars this term.

His no-nonsense style, combined with an ability to play out from the back have stood out, and you can see why a clamour of clubs are after the 24-year-old this summer.

However, I do question whether Fulham should move for him if promoted, but if they stay in the Championship, he could be a useful, long-term option.

As it stands, the Cottagers have a number of centre-backs who are reaching the latter stages of their career, notably Tim Ream, whilst the likes of Alfie Mawson just have not seemed to hit the heights at Craven Cottage since his arrival.

A Rob Dickie and Michael Hector partnership next season would be strong though, with them both also knowing each other from their time at Reading.

George Dagless:

I'm not convinced.

Fulham have been linked with a few centre-halves this last few days and Dickie is the latest.

He's a good player but could he force his way into the side ahead of what the Cottagers already have? It's a question that Scott Parker will want to weigh up.

If they're in the Premier League they'll probably forget this one anyway, but if they stay in the Championship perhaps he'd be a decent one to bolster the squad – Dickie'll want more than that though, naturally.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/im-not-convinced-fulham-register-interest-in-signing-24-year-old-the-verdict/

[WhiteJC]

'£20m is a bit excessive' – Fulham register transfer interest in Championship player: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Jonathan Woodgate's Middlesbrough are prepared to sell centre-back Dael Fry this summer for around £20m, as per 90Min.

Fulham are one of the sides keen on a move for the talented English defender, with the 22-year-old one of Boro's standout stars this campaign.

But would Fry be a wise addition for Scott Parker's Fulham? Is he worth that much?

The team here at Football League World offer their thoughts.....

Jacob Potter

He's not worth £20m in my eyes.

Fry is a young English talent, but certainly hasn't done enough to justify any club paying that price for him in the summer.
Fulham don't exactly need another central defender as they've got Michael Hector now who has been brilliant since arriving at Craven Cottage.

It would be wasted money in the Championship as well, especially given the current circumstances off-the-field.

If Fulham win promotion then he'd be a good addition in terms of squad depth, but I wouldn't be paying anywhere near that much for him.

George Dagless

It would be a decent signing I think.

Michael Hector has been brilliant this season for Fulham and so I don't see Fry getting ahead of him.

However, as well liked as Tim Ream is, I do think Fry could be an upgrade on him.

He's got great potential and is a good passer out from the back – something Fulham and Scott Parker will like given their playing style.

I'd say £20m is a bit steep given financial conditions at the moment but, if they could knock £5m off or so it's a great buy potentially.

George Harbey

I think that £20m is a bit excessive as I believe that that money could be spent elsewhere to be honest.

Fulham already have a plethora of talented central defenders at the club including the likes of Tim Ream, Alfie Mawson and Michael Hector, so you could argue that they are overly congested in that area of the pitch.

Fry is undoubtedly a really talented, up and coming, ball-playing defender with plenty of years ahead of him left to grow and develop as a player.

You'd be paying for his potential, but Fulham have spent big on players in the past and need to recruit in areas which need focusing upon.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/20m-is-a-bit-excessive-fulham-register-transfer-interest-in-championship-player-the-verdict/

[WhiteJC]

Could Stoke City target former Fulham and Hartlepool United midfielder?

Stoke City boss Michael O'Neill called up Motherwell midfielder liam Donnelly for northern Ireland last year.

The ex-Fulham and Hartlepool United man has been in fine form in the Scottish Premiership this season. Could he be on the Potters' radar over the coming months?

Stoke are looking to delve into the Scottish market for talent this summer and the Northern Ireland international could fit the bill for them. He can play anywhere in defence as well as midfield and would add more depth to their squad.

Donnelly, who is 24 years old, has scored an impressive 11 goals in 29 appearances for the Well in this campaign. He still has two years left on his deal with Stephen Robinson's side meaning Stoke would have to fork out a fee if they wanted to bring him to the Bet365 Stadium.

The Dungannon-born midfielder was snapped up by Fulham as a youngster in 2012 but never made a senior appearance for the London side. Instead, he was loaned out by the Cottagers to Crawley Town in 2015 for more first-team experience.

He left Craven Cottage on a permanent basis four years ago and subsequently joined Hartlepool United. He spent two years with the Pools, one of which was in the National League, before moving up to Motherwell in 2018.

Donnelly has been a key player for the Scottish side over the past two campaigns and could be on the radar of some English. Could O'Neill relationship with him from Northern Ireland put Stoke in the frame to sign him?



https://the72.co.uk/170120/could-stoke-city-target-former-fulham-and-hartlepool-united-midfielder/