Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 21/07/20...

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David Prutton's Sky Bet EFL predictions

Who is David Prutton tipping for victory in the Sky Bet Championship on the final day of the season? Find out here...

The promotion race - West Brom, Brentford or Fulham?
What a let-off that was for West Brom. After slipping up at Huddersfield, they would have been fearing the worst, but then Brentford struggled under the pressure of it all the very next day at Stoke. It was an incredible weekend of drama.



Pressure will play a big part again on Wednesday night, but West Brom could barely have handpicked a better fixture to finish their season. It really is the time where you would always rather be playing against a side with nothing to play for.

Fulham will be hoping both slip up so they can sneak through the door, but I think West Brom and Brentford will both win - sealing promotion for the Baggies.

Prutton predicts: West Brom to win promotion

The play-off race, who will miss out - Nottingham Forest, Cardiff or Swansea?
Nottingham Forest seem to have gone to sleep in the last couple of weeks and, considering where they were not so long ago, should not be in this position on the final day of the season. It will be a huge relief to Sabri Lamouchi and Co that Stoke have already achieved survival, so may be a little more relaxed.

Cardiff have put themselves in a fantastic spot with some brilliant results since the restart, and need just a draw against lowly all-but relegated Hull to guarantee their place in the play-offs.

Swansea need one of the above to slip up and lose - and in the case of Forest for there to be a bit of a goal swing, too - so all they can do is pile the pressure on and see what happens.

Cardiff should win, but things might be difficult for Forest. They should, however, get at least a draw, which will be enough to seal their spot.

Prutton predicts: Nottingham Forest & Cardiff to finish in the play-offs

The relegation race - who will go down?
It gets a little complicated down the bottom! Let's get the easy bits out of the way first. You cannot really see Hull staying up from here, and I think Barnsley will be beaten at Brentford - despite their brilliant effort against Nottingham Forest on Sunday to keep themselves in contention.

I happen to think Wigan will beat Fulham and that will be enough to take them up and just about clear once you have factored in the 12-point deduction.

Luton have got decent opponents in Blackburn, but they just need the win that little bit more so I have to back them to scrape a victory at Kenilworth Road.

That leaves Charlton. Of all the times to head to Leeds and Elland Road, this is probably the best. However, we saw on Sunday that Marcelo Bielsa's side are pretty motivated, and they will want to end the season on a high. Even with nothing to play for, I think they will be too good for the Addicks.

Prutton predicts: Charlton, Barnsley & Hull to be relegated



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12033097/david-pruttons-sky-bet-efl-predictions

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QPR winger's transfer collapses amidst Fulham, Leicester City and Brighton interest

Queens Park Rangers winger Bright Osayi-Samuel's transfer to Club Brugge has seemingly collapsed amidst interest from Leicester City, Fulham and Brighton and Hove Albion according to Football Insider.

The winger had travelled to Belgium to complete the £5million transfer but has reportedly had a change of heart and turned down the move at the last minute.

It was believed that he would be absent from the squad for QPR's final game of the season against West Bromwich Albion but he could now be available for selection following his rejection of the move.

With Osayi-Samuel now remaining at QPR for the time being this has alerted Leicester City, Fulham and Brighton who have all been credited with interest in the 22-year-old star.

He has enjoyed a fine first season in the Championship and the Premier League duo along with high-flying Fulham are all thought to have claimed they would meet the £5million asking price for the youngster.

Osayi-Samuel's deal had been triggered for a further year by Rangers but this ends in 2021 and they will be keen to sell him this summer with such a huge amount of interest and not be at risk of losing him next year on a free transfer.

The talented youngster has enjoyed a marvellous season for Mark Warburton's side having scored six goals and supplied nine assists from 39 matches in all competitions.

The winger is undoubtedly one of the finest talents outside the Premier League and his blistering pace and eye for goal is clear for all to see.

West Bromwich Albion are also believed to have been interested but there is sure to be a huge amount of competition for his signature this summer.



https://the72.co.uk/181566/qpr-wingers-transfer-collapses-amidst-fulham-leicester-city-and-brighton-interest/

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'I think they'll be fighting a losing battle' – Premier League club circle midfielder: Can Fulham retain him? 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 loanee Harrison Reed is reportedly on the radar of Burnley, with Sean Dyche a big fan of the midfielder contracted to Southampton. 

Reed remains a Southampton player, but he's been excelling in the midfield at Fulham this season, with his form since the restart last month very impressive.

However, any ambition Fulham had of retaining the 25-year-old's service long-term is complicated by interest from Burnley, as per Football Insider.

Here, our writers assess whether there's any chance of Reed sticking with the Cottagers beyond this season...

Sam Rourke

It certainly affects their chances.

Reed has been a real bright spark for Scott Parker and Fulham this season, with his tenacious yet tidy performances really catching the eye.

At 25 years old, Reed will want to ensure the next club he goes to will ensure he's a frequent starter in the first-team, and you do wonder whether Southampton may yet offer him that after a stellar campaign in west London.

I'd be surprised if Fulham did not make a play to sign Reed on a permanent deal this summer though, and their chances of sealing an agreement would most likely be heightened if they achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Ultimately, the division that the Cottagers find themselves in this season may play a large role in any potential agreement.

Is Reed a guaranteed starter at Burnley? It's hard to say, they have a number of proficient central midfielders at the club already so it may be harder to get in the team – and he may see more opportunities for a starting berth at Fulham next season if they do move.

Jacob Potter 

I think they'll be fighting a losing battle in the summer.

Reed has certainly made a positive impact on the Fulham team this season, as they look to make a swift return to the Premier League.

But with Burnley reportedly interested in reaching an agreement to land his signature, I think they'll be in pole position to sign him.

If Fulham aren't to win promotion into the top-flight, then it seems almost impossible that Reed will sign for them permanently. 

Burnley are a team that are now established in the Premier League, and you would imagine that a move to Turf Moor will tempt Reed more than a move to Fulham for another season.

George Harbey

I think Fulham have got to be confident about their chances of signing Reed on a permanent basis, although a lot does depend on whether they win promotion or not.

Reed has been impressive for Fulham this season and he has been bright since the season's restart having recovered from a couple of frustrating injury problems, and his tenacity in the middle of the park is key for Scott Parker's side.

At Craven Cottage, he is playing under a manager who trusts in him and believes in him, which must be really relieving for the player as he has found it tough to break into Southampton's first-team thus far.

If Fulham go up and can negotiate a good fee for the midfielder then I don't see why a deal can't be done, but you've got to consider whether the player would like to drop back down into the Championship if Fulham stay down, when there is potentially an opportunity to play in the Premier League for an impressive team like Burnley.

It's a tough one, for sure.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/i-think-theyll-be-fighting-a-losing-battle-premier-league-club-circle-midfielder-can-fulham-retain-him-the-verdict/

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Fulham receive £22.5m La Liga bid for loanee midfielder

According to a report from Sky Sports, Fulham are considering a £22.5m bid for loaned out midfielder Andre Zambo Anguissa, after loan club Villareal came in with an offer.

In the summer of 2018, midfielder Andre Zambo Anguissa joined Fulham upon their promotion to the Premier League. He signed for the club as part of a huge summer recruitment drive upon their return to the top flight but was sent out on loan to Villareal after the Cottagers' relegation.

Now, after an impressive campaign on loan with Villareal, the La Liga club have made an offer to try and sign Anguissa on a permanent basis.

A report from Sky Sports has claimed that Fulham are weighing up a £22.5m offer for Anguissa. The Yellow Submarine are keen to bring Anguissa in on a permanent basis after starring in their midfield. Anguissa has scored two goals and laid on two assists in 39 appearances across all competitions.

This is not the first time Anguissa has been subject of interest from Spain this season. Spanish giants Real Madrid have been linked with the 24-year-old, as covered here on The72. However, links with the Madrid titans have not materialised into anything serious.

It will be interesting to see if a permanent move to Villareal materialises this summer. With a £22.5m offer on the table, Fulham could look to cash in on the midfielder to add funds to their transfer budget for this summer.



https://the72.co.uk/181585/fulham-receive-22-5m-la-liga-bid-for-loanee-midfielder/

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Brentford fairytale, Fulham hope, Charlton scrap and unmatched drama of Championship's last day

Three of London's five teams enter their last game with their fate undetermined



After 45 games across 11 months, it all comes down to a Wednesday evening in late July.

For three of London's five Championship teams, their fate is undecided entering the final evening.

The only team that has not had much to play for in recent weeks could still have a say on their local rivals' destiny, while the other only had their play-off hopes ended last weekend.

Plenty of eyes will fall on Brentford, who host Barnsley at Griffin Park not knowing whether it will be the last game at the old stadium or they must return next week for a play-off second leg against one from three of Cardiff, Swansea and Nottingham Forest.

Thomas Frank's team missed the chance to climb above West Bromwich Albion into second place when losing away to Stoke on Saturday but the Danish head coach said his players turned up at training on Monday morning "with fire in their eyes."

Fulham have passed up their own opportunities but Scott Parker's team can still finish in the automatic spot if they win away to Wigan, Albion lose against Queens Park Rangers and Brentford fail to win.

Should Slaven Bilic's side take three points, both Brentford and Fulham will be in the play-offs with their away legs first regardless of their own results.

"We're not too concentrated on it," Fulham striker Bobby Cordova-Reid insisted. "We just need to win our game and see what happens."

Down near the bottom, Charlton Athletic face champions Leeds United at Elland Road knowing a positive will ensure their safety, although the EFL's decision process regarding Wigan's points deduction means relegation may not be settled until long after the final whistles are blown.

They sit in 21st, ahead of Luton Town on goal difference, Barnsley by two points and Hull City by three. Should Wigan be deducted 12 points for entering administration they would be on 46 before factoring in their result tonight.

Lee Bowyer, the Charlton manager who has done a remarkable job amid off-field chaos for almost the entire campaign, believes there is more pressure on the three sides below them in the table.

"If we had to go to Leeds, win and rely on other results, that's a different conversation," he said. "But if we win, we're safe. We don't necessarily have to win, it's the teams below us that absolutely have to win, they are the ones chasing us.

"We have a tough game but so do the teams around us. There will be some twists and turns on the night, that will happen, we just have to stay calm and believe that what we do on the night will keep us in the division."

If Charlton's aim is survival, Brentford's is to complete a fairytale for the ages.

Before the Championship came off hiatus, they were 10 points behind West Brom but have hauled them in gradually before Saturday's blip at Stoke.

The disparity in budgets and resources, alongside the Griffin Park farewell, suggests promotion is written in the stars, right?

Frank is more realist than dreamer, though he is more than aware of the wider context for a club that was last in the top-flight in 1947.

"If anyone told us before this season that little Brentford would be one point behind big West Bromwich and fighting for top two promotion, we'd have taken it any day," he said. "I promise you the players and the staff are so ready to play."

Like Fulham and Charlton, they want to look after their own business before worrying about results elsewhere but head of analytics Luke Stopforth will be keeping an eye and feeding the info through to assistant manager Brian Riemer via an earpiece, who will then pass the necessary details to Frank and the players.

"I'm not interested to know anything before half time, that doesn't change anything," Frank added and the same will go across the grounds on a concluding evening that has the potential to surpass previous dramatic endings in this wild division.



https://www.football.london/championship/brentford-fairytale-fulham-hope-charlton-18635712

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Exclusive: Fulham academy graduate set to leave Craven Cottage to join EFL side

Fulham academy graduate Magnus Norman is set to leave Craven Cottage to sign for League Two side Carlisle United, sources have exclusively confirmed to Football League World.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper joined Fulham at the age of nine but has never made a senior appearance for the Cottagers, having had stints out on loan at Farnborough, Hayes and Yeading United, Southport and most recently, Rochdale.

Norman who has represented England at under-18 youth level will now be given a chance to cement a frequent starting berth in the EFL with Carlisle, who will be looking to improve on their 18th placed finish in League Two.

It appears the Cumbrian side are looking to bolster their ranks ahead of the 2020/21 season, with sources close to Football League World also confirming that they are set to snap up Bradford City central midfielder Daniel Devine.

Chris Beech's Carlisle side ended up in 18th position in League Two, accumulating 42 points from 37 games played.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-fulham-academy-graduate-set-to-leave-craven-cottage-to-join-efl-side/

[General]

Tim hoogland, that's a name I'd forgotten about. Searched for him and he was in the unsinpiring squad we had when we went down the first time/when we were down. Scored a couple of goals for us though in fairness... which is more than a lot did.

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Club currently 'discussing' deal with Huddersfield for defender as manager looks to fill recent gap in squad

Huddersfield Town are in talks with AZ Alkmaar over a move for defender Terence Kongolo this summer.

That's according to Algemeen Dagblad, who say the two clubs are negotiating a loan deal for the 26-year-old defender.

Kongolo joined Huddersfield in an £18m deal from Monaco in July 2018 but has endured a difficult time at the club since then, suffering relegation from the Premier League last year.

This season has been equally difficult in the Championship, with the Terriers struggling and Kongolo finding himself shipped out on loan to Fulham midway through the January transfer window.

He's only managed one game for the Cottagers since then, with a serious foot injury meaning his only appearance came in the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup Fourth Round.

He could now be set for a second loan spell away from Huddersfield, with them already negotiating a deal with AZ for him.

Algemeen Dagblad report that the Dutch side are 'working on the lease' of the 26-year-old defender, who already played in the Netherlands with Feyenoord earlier in his career.

They are on the hunt for a left-footed centre back this summer to replace the departed Stijn Wuytens, with manager Arne Slot publicly admitting he wants to strengthen in that position.

Kongolo would fill the void nicely, as well as being able to 'handle many positions', and the two clubs are now 'discussing' a potential deal.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/huddersfield-az-alkmaar-kongolo-transfer/

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Villarreal considering big-money bid for Fulham's Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

Fulham are considering Villarreal's big-money offer for Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa following an impressive loan spell with the LaLiga club, the PA news agency understands.

The 24-year-old made a deadline-day switch from Marseille to Craven Cottage in August 2018 but struggled to make an impact as the west London club were relegated from the Premier League.

Anguissa, who still has three years left on his Fulham contract, was shipped out on a season-long loan to Villarreal last July and the midfielder looked back to his best in Spain.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been linked with the impressive Cameroon international, who the Yellow Submarine are attempting to keep at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

Villarreal had the option of making the transfer permanent at the end of the season as part of their loan agreement. Fulham are understood to be considering an offer in the region of 25 million euros (£22.2million) that suggest the clause has not been triggered.

Scott Parker's side are fourth in the Sky Bet Championship and two points off the final automatic promotion spot ahead of Wednesday's season finale at Wigan.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/real-madrid/transfer-talk/news/villarreal-considering-big-money-bid-for-fulhams-andre-frank-zambo-anguissa_407426.html

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EXCLUSIVE: Arter admits fears over Fulham's Prem promotion hunt

Fulham midfielder Harry Arter has admitted he feared the Championship season would not reach a conclusion, as he gave an insight into the race to claim the final Premier League promotion spot.

The final round of Championship matches will be played on Wednesday, with Leeds United confirmed as champions and West Bromwich Albion battling it out with Brentford and the Cottagers for second place.

Yet Arter has told TEAMtalk that he doubted whether the campaign would ever get to this point, after the Covid-19 pandemic halted the season in March.

"It looked like we might not get this season finished, but we have all put far too much into it to just admit defeat and declare it null and void," the 30-year-old said.

"Personally, I couldn't wait to get back and it made me appreciate how much this game means to me.

"I have always loved football, but you can take it for granted when you have been playing at the top level for a decade and when it is all taken away from you, it is a massive shock."

The Republic of Ireland international revealed how he kept his own fitness up, as well as the fact the players had very little knowledge of what was going on.

"Filling the days was not easy. I found myself doing six and seven kilometre runs and got addicted to it," Arter added. I even picked up a little injury because I was running too much, but I had to find something to do to fill the days.

"The Championship clubs told their players to treat the lockdown as a holiday period and yet when there was no date given when we might come back, you couldn't switch off just in case you were called back in to start the season.

"In the end, that's what happened. We didn't have any inside knowledge on what the plan was for the Football League and when it happened, it wasn't ideal."

ARTER ASSES THE PROMOTION RACE
Fulham have been in the promotion mix for most of the season and going into their final game, at home to Wigan, the Cottagers still have an outside chance of automatic promotion.

However, they are reliant on West Bromwich Albion and Brentford dropping points in their games against Queens Park Rangers and Barnsley respectively. Should Fulham not secure automatic promotion, they will have another chance in the play-offs.

"Leeds have been the stand-out side in the Championship all season," Arter added. "They have a top manager and play a high energy game that is tough to stop when they are at their best.

"West Brom have a lot of experience in their team and that's important when you get to this stage of the season and it is all about getting over the finishing line, with the lack of crowds meaning players need to motivate themselves if the game is not going their way.

"Brentford are also right in the promotion mix and that is not by accident. They are a good side and have beaten us twice this season, so they could sneak one of the automatic places and will be a threat if they are in the play-offs.

"It looks like we will be in the play-offs and we believe we can beat anyone when we perform at our best, but the truth is there is not a lot between most of the teams in this league."

ARTER 'HAPPY' TO RETURN TO BOURNEMOUTH
With the season drawing to a close, Arter's future is up in the air. He is on loan from Premier League strugglers Bournemouth, having also spent last season on loan at Championship side Cardiff.

However, if he ends up returning to his parent club he is more than happy to do so.

"I love that club and I know how much Bournemouth means to the manager as well, so I just hope they can stay up," he added. "I will be more than happy to go back to Bournemouth for pre-season and do everything I can to get back into their plans."

By Matt Johnson



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/exclusive-harry-arter-fulham-promotion-fears

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Who Cardiff City would want in the play-offs with wobbling West Brom, Fulham and Brentford all possible

The Bluebirds need only a point to ensure their place in the play-offs, but who would be the best opponent for them to face should they make it?

Cardiff City need just one point in their final match of the season to secure their place in the play-offs.

The Bluebirds welcome Hull City on Wednesday night and sit in sixth position in the table, three points ahead of South Wales rivals Swansea City.

The Swans will hope both Cardiff and Nottingham Forest lose on Wednesday night as it would grant them the best opportunity to sneak into those top-six spots.

But Neil Harris will doubtless be confident his side can beat, or at least draw with lowly, all-but relegated, Hull City at Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday evening.

City have been excellent since the season restarted last month and have earned their spot in the play-off places. Just one more positive result will book their spot in the post-season, which has been Harris' aim since he took the reins back in November.

As dramatic as the race is for fifth and sixth place is, though, the battle for that second automatic promotion spot is still up for grabs.

Leeds United were crowned Championship champions last weekend, meaning their top spot is secured, but any of West Brom, Fulham or Brentford could yet secure second place.

Fulham are currently in fourth on 80 points, with Brentford a point above them and West Brom a point above them, meaning every eventuality is still possible on the final night.

But, of those three teams, who would Cardiff want to face most in the play-offs? We take a closer look below.

West Brom

Spent practically all season in the top-two spots and probably deserve to go up automatically - but football doesn't work like that, as we all know.

Back in October, the Baggies routed Neil Warnock's Bluebirds at The Hawthorns, producing a 4-2 victory up in the Midlands. The scoreline being saved by a late Danny Ward double for City.

But there was enough in that game to give City hope, West Brom were just clinical that day and the visitors couldn't really cope.

Those signs of positivity, however, bore fruit back at Cardiff City Stadium in February when Neil Harris' side came out on top in a deserved 2-1 victory.

The Baggies are also in something of a dip of form, too, at the moment, having not won in their last three outings, ultimately gifting the teams below a shot at the automatic spots.

Brentford

One of the most devastating attacking displays Cardiff City have come up against all season was at Griffin Park back in December.

It was only 2-1 to Brentford in the end, thanks to a Marlon Pack thunderbolt, but the Bees were dominant for the most part and it could have been far more than just two.

In the return fixture, too, Brentford got off to a flyer, putting City 2-0 down once again only this time Harris' side came back to rescue a draw.

But Thomas Frank's side are a real, real handful and if they hit you early it is so difficult to win the game.

Following that draw with the Bluebirds in February, in fact, Brentford won their following eight games, a run which ended only last weekend with a shock defeat by Stoke City.

They are certainly the form side, barring that blip against the Potters, and will be fierce play-off opponents for anyone, unless they make it into the second automatic spot, of course.

Fulham

Fulham, in truth, looked no great shakes at Cardiff City Stadium earlier in the season. Josh Murphy put the Bluebirds ahead early on and City looked comfortable enough for the most part.

Aleksandar Mitrovic hit back before half-time and it was a bit of a body blow, really. Harry Arter was given his marching orders in the second half and the Bluebirds piled on the pressure, but to no avail.

But, importantly, the Cottagers' most recent match with Cardiff City is still fresh in the memory, a 2-0 win for the hosts in West London less than two weeks ago.

Cardiff were completely off the pace that night, truth told, but Fulham played some slick stuff at times and looked good for their win.

Scott Parker's side have not lost their last six fixtures, either, and momentum can be crucial at this stage of the season.

The Mitrovic factor, during the play-offs, is also something which simply cannot be ignored.

The verdict

Let's not beat around the bush, all three are incredibly tough opponents. It is why they are in the top four spots in the table in the first place.

But if there was one team Cardiff might prefer over all others it's West Brom.

Of the three, they are the only team Cardiff have beaten this season and that could count for a lot.

The form, at this time of the season, must also be a factor, too, with the Baggies appearing to be suffering more than others to keep their pace as relentless as it once was.

Harris will be confident, of course, that his side can beat any of the teams in the play-offs, should they make it there, and rightly so, they have been sublime for the most part since football returned.

But if there were one team they would like to play? The Baggies have to just edge it.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-cardiff-city-would-want-18635014

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Club's 'priority' is to sign Fulham man – But doubts about ability to pay asking price

Villarreal are keen to see midfielder Franck Zambo Anguissa continue at the club next season, but it's unclear whether they will pay Fulham's €25m asking price.

The 24-year-old has spent this season on loan with the Spanish side, departing Fulham in the summer after a disastrous first year at the club.

He moved to Craven Cottage in a £22m deal from Marseille in 2018 but struggled as the Cottagers were relegated from the Premier League that season.

He has since rebuilt his reputation at Villarreal, with a series of impressive performances in La Liga this year.

A report from Sky Sports claimed that Fulham were considering a €25m offer for the on-loan midfielder from Villarreal, who are keen to make his loan deal permanent.

El Periódico de Mediterráneo cover that report today and say that the reported price 'does not conform' to what they have been told from inside Villarreal.

They confirm that Villarreal's 'priority' is to keep the midfielder for at least one more season as he has 'adapted perfectly both on and off the field' but they already made a 'significant economic outlay' in the January transfer window to sign Paco Alcácer.

The indication from the newspaper is that they don't have the money to pay such a fee to sign Anguissa from Fulham, although this is disputed elsewhere.

La Razón have also covered the situation and back up the claim that Villarreal are keen to improve their midfield and 'make a leap in quality in its workforce.'

This is why they have replaced managed Javi Calleja with Unai Emery and why they intend to 'exercise the purchase option' they have on Anguissa, which is €25m.

The website states confidently that the Yellow Submarine 'will acquire' him and that he will continue his career in La Liga with the club.

Clearly, that's a very different stance from El Periódico de Mediterráneo, whose stance was seemingly that the money isn't there.

Either way, it's clear that Villarreal are interested in signing Anguissa from Fulham permanently and Fulham may be able to make a profit on a transfer that really didn't work out for them.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-anguissa-villarreal-transfer/