Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 25/08/20...

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QPR looking to agree Leistner pay-off

QPR are looking to pay off Toni Leistner and make room for new signings – and that could see Alfie Mawson arrive at Loftus Road from Fulham.

West London Sport reports that Rangers are looking to reach a financial settlement with Leistner, who has a year remaining on his contract.

Manager Mark Warburton is said to have told the German that he wants to bring in a new, younger centre-back.

Strengthening the centre of his defence has been a priority for Warburton ahead of the new season.

And Fulham's interest in Ebere Eze could hand Rangers a chance to bring in Mawson before the campaign gets under way on 12 September.

Mawson has struggled for fitness and form since a big-money move to Fulham and his first-team prospects at Craven Cottage currently look slim.

With Fulham having joined West Ham and Crystal Palace in the race to sign R's star Eze, a part-exchange deal involving Mawson is reportedly being discussed.

It certainly seems a question of when rather than if Eze leaves QPR.

He was left out of the squad for Saturday's friendly against AFC Wimbledon – and Warburton admitted it was because of the interest clus are showing in Eze.

"There's interest. That's not a secret. Everyone knows what's going on," Warburton told West London Sport.

"I felt it was best for him not to be involved. It was my decision.

"It was my choice and everyone was in agreement that it was the right thing to do.

"There's so much going on and he's a young guy and he's dealing with the outside interest and pressure exceedingly well. He deserves a lot of credit for that.

"He's a QPR player and he'll be with us training on Monday as far as I'm aware."



https://londonfootballnews.co.uk/qpr/football-wls-warburton-wields-the-axe-as-qpr-line-up-mawson-deal/

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Report: Juventus want to sell goalkeeper Mattia Perin to Fulham for £11m

(Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)

Juventus are reportedly looking to sell goalkeeper, Mattia Perin to Fulham, this summer, with the Serie A champions looking to conclude an £11m deal for the stopper.

That is according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim that the Turin giants are looking to offload a number of players to English clubs as they look to clear some of their wage structure ahead of the new season.

The report states that the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Federico Bernardeschi are to be offered to the likes of Wolves, West Ham, and Crystal Palace, while goalkeeper Perin is to be offered to Fulham for just over £10m.

Fulham currently has both Marek Rodak and Marcus Bettinelli on the books but could be open to landing a new goalkeeper ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Perin, who is well down the pecking order in Turin, has played for his country before, making two appearances for Italy some time ago.

However, since then, his career has stalled, especially since moving to Juve. Indeed, he returned to former club Genoa on loan last season where he got regular football once again.

Fulham could be better sticking here, Perin is unproven – TBR View

The Cottagers will spend a bit this summer but won't want to make the same mistake they did a few seasons back and splash the cash on players who might be a bit of a risk.

Perin falls into that category, in that he's not really been given a run at the very highest level and would be coming to England as a relative unknown.

So, while Juventus want rid, Fulham might be best served to save their money and looking to invest it elsewhere. In fairness, too, Rodak has done pretty well under Scott Parker.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-juventus-want-to-sell-goalkeeper-mattia-perin-to-fulham-for-11m/

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All in the Game: Ex-Fulham defender not all talk, just ask his friends
Covid-19 prompts revised plans for Kosovo Superleague side and Guinean champions

A pinch in the pecker between friends

Former Fulham full-back John Paintsil once told Peter Crouch that he was going to break his leg during a game and the Englishman admitted afterwards that he had been a little bit thrown by the old school threat.

Against Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni, then with Everton, the defender took slightly less conventional action as the two tussled for prime position at the near post as an Everton corner was about to come in.

Footage from the game a few seasons back shows what is shaping up to be a tetchy confrontation taking an unexpected turn when Painstil reaches down and pinches Yakubu on the pecker.

The shock on Yakubu's face is clear as Paintsil moves away smiling.

Look at the difference in size between us," the assistant manager of the Kaizer Chiefs said as he recalled the incident this week in a Citisports interview that is worth a watch just for the amount of joy the interviewer is deriving from the footage.

"He was thick and heavier than me and I was supposed to mark him but, in the game, the more you stay long the more you gain experience.

"So, for you not to go one on one contact, you have to distract him; do something to take his mind off from the game.

"Besides that," Painstil added, grinning again, "Yakubu is my very good friend."



https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/all-in-the-game-ex-fulham-defender-not-all-talk-just-ask-his-friends-1.4337378

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How The Bees Were Stung. Part 2: Attacking

Eamon follows up his previous piece with a look at our attacking play from the play-off final.

Finals are often labelled as cagey affairs. And that's often true. By their very nature, finals are important. As such, teams often play conservatively, hoping one mistake from the opposition or one great piece of skill can help them carve out an advantage. In a game as important as the Championship play-off final, it was inevitable that both teams would naturally play more conservatively than in any run-of-the-mill Championship fixture. The goalless scoreline after 90 minutes was evidence of that. Parker created an effective defensive plan, but that was expected given his team's style of play all year. The real question was: How are we going to score?

Parker had to create an offense that exposed Brentford's weaknesses and didn't sacrifice Fulham's defensive foundation. He also had to make sure it was simple enough for his players to grasp in the middle of a £200 million game. Already preoccupied with their defensive positioning, not losing their marks and avoiding errors, a simple offensive game-plan was key to making the player's lives easier. Additionally, a simple offensive plan limits the amount of thinking that has to be done on the pitch, which limits opportunities for mistakes and allows for faster play.

With this in mind, Parker came up with three key ideas that would help his side finish the job:

    Attack with efficiency and move the ball forward when available.
    Take advantage of Benrahmas' laziness and attack with Kebano down the right.
    As the game continues, transition to a long-ball game, using our forward player's strength, speed and energy to win the field position battle.

Attack with efficiency
Fulham had to attack with efficiency and move the ball forward when available. Parker knew that both teams would possess the ball for long periods during the game and so the few attacking chances had to be taken. Kebano and Onomah were excellent here. Every time Kebano received the ball wide he faced up his defender, attempting to beat him and get off a shot or get to the byline to put in a cross, without hesitation. Onomah often looked to turn and move the ball forward either with a pass or by himself. In fact, it was the combination of the two players that created the White's most dangerous chances: Fulham's defenders would win the ball in the air, find Onomah, who would turn and seek out Kebano, who would immediately attack the full-back.

Find the right side
It was no coincidence that Onomah and Kebano were the most efficient and forward-minded players on the field. Parker had identified the right wing to be Brentford's weak link defensively because of Said Benrahma's defensive laziness. While Brentford's left winger has been praised for his great attacking play, its obvious from watching any Brentford game that Benrahma's attacking prowess sacrifices much of his defensive work, often leaving Brentford's left back isolated on defense.

Kebano was moved to the right wing solely to exploit Benrahma's defensive lapses. We often saw him on the left throughout the season, including during his recent run of form – both of his recent goals in open play, against Sheffield Wednesday and his equalizer against Cardiff, came from positions on the left. Parker was so adamant about taking advantage of Benrahma's slow defensive recovery that he put Kebano in a position that he rarely played this year and took him away from a position at which he excelled.

Playing down the right also has the added benefit of being simple. With so much going into defending, adding complicated positioning and patterns to the offense would've created more decision making for the players. Each decision-making opportunity is a potential mistake waiting to happen, so limiting these opportunities was important. Find Onomah in the middle. Turn. Play wide right to Kebano. Attack. Simple.

Go long as the game progresses
Fulham used the long ball to eliminate Brentford's press while simultaneously playing to the strengths of our front players – speed, physical strength and energy. Parker had to find an attack that didn't risk jeopardizing his defensive game plan. Brantford's fast and high-pressing front five ruled out intricate build-up play in the defensive third because Fulham couldn't risk making mistakes so close to their own goal. Additionally, with Brentford playing Da Silva and Jensen as two forward midfielders marking Cairney and Reed, this option became impossible.

Playing long-ball became the preferred option. As the game entered its later stages, it was clear Fulham's forward players had more speed, with Kamara having moved to the left, strength, with Mitrovic down the middle, and energy, with Knockaert on the right. Following a kick up-field, our players often won possession or pressed and successfully won the ball back. It was Kamaras' pace that opened space in the middle for Onomah to win the foul which lead to Bryan's free kick for the first goal, all stemming from a long kick out from Rodak.

Lacking for most of the season, the whites had a clear identity against Brentford. Often this year it seemed like Parker just put out his best players and said, "Go score goals!" However, there was a clear offensive system in the final.

The offense was direct, playing through Onomah, and had a clear identity: attacking down the right and winning the field position battle as the game went on. As he did with the defense, Parker exploited Brentford's weaknesses and supported his side's strengths. He has shown great progress since football resumed, culminating in a well-thought-out and superbly-executed game plan in the final.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-08-24-how-the-bees-were-stung-part-2-attacking/

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Report: Newcastle, Everton, Fulham all want Manchester United defender Chris Smalling

According to a report from 90 Min, Newcastle, Everton, and Fulham are set to lead a transfer scramble for Manchester United defender, Chris Smalling.

Despite an impressive campaign with Roma last season and the Italian club being interested again, it is believed Smalling will move to another Premier League club.

Newcastle, Everton, and West Ham have all been credited with an interest, while Fulham are also said to be keen now on bringing their former defender back to Craven Cottage following their promotion.

It is believed that PL clubs will have more chance of being able to pay any fee Manchester United will want for Smalling, while also being able to cover the wages he will demand.

Smalling, who has 31 caps for England, has been frozen out at Old Trafford. He will, then, be desperate to get going again and could even make a late push for the England squad with another impressive campaign under his belt.

Smalling a fine signing for any PL club, he'd be ideal with Newcastle too – TBR View

It's a bit odd that Man United don't want to give Smalling a chance given how good he was for Roma but their loss is set to be someone else's gain in the end.

Newcastle would surely love to have the England man on board. Experience, quality, and a winning mentality, all things that can benefit Steve Bruce's charges this season.

They do face competition, though. Everton, West Ham and Fulham will all be attractive propositions for Smalling.

One thing is for sure, whoever gets him will be getting a fine Premier League defender on their books and someone who can add steel and quality to their defence.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-newcastle-everton-fulham-all-want-manchester-united-defender-chris-smalling/

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Riverside August Update

Recent works on the Riverside since the last website update in June have included largely completing basement excavation, and incorporating continuous flight auguring (CFA piling).

In addition, steel and precast installation works has commenced.
Putney Stand expansion works are under way, with facade installation continuing.

Following our promotion to the Premier League, upgrade works in line with broadcast and media facilities requirements are also being undertaken which include modifications to the temporary TV gantry structure.

You can watch our latest video and view a selection of images of the works below.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/august/24/riverside-august-update

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Fulham's offer not good enough to sign midfielder – May need to improve it, club not impressed with two bids

Portuguese newspaper Record features today a piece on Benfica midfielder Florentino Luís. They say manager Jorge Jesus has been trying to improve his attacking skills for the upcoming season.

That means the coach, who just arrived from Flamengo, wishes to keep the midfielder in the squad, regardless of the many rumours linking him to a move out of Lisbon.

Record claims that Florentino indeed had two offers to leave Benfica this summer. They were one from Fulham and another one from Milan.

It's said Fulham side tried to get the 21-year-old on a season-long loan spell, with an obligatory clause to buy him in the next summer.

Milan offered something similar, as they wanted to pay €3m for a two-year loan spell, and an obligatory clause of €30m to buy him at the end of it.

Record says Benfica didn't really like any of the offers, so it seems that unless Fulham and Milan raise their bids, Florentino will really stay with the Eagles for the next season.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulhams-offer-not-good-enough-sign-midfielder-may-need-improve-club-not-impressed-two-bids/

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'Elliott loves Liverpool and has elite mentality' – Former coach expecting 17-year-old to shine

Jack Johnson, who worked with the youngster at Fulham, believes the talented midfielder has what it takes to become a star at senior level

Harvey Elliott "really loves Liverpool" and boasts the "elite mentality" required to become a senior star for the Premier League champions, claims his former Fulham youth team coach Jack Johnson.

At 17 years of age, the highly-rated midfielder is already part of Jurgen Klopp's first team squad.

On the back of being lured away from Craven Cottage in the summer of 2019, Elliott has gone on to take in eight appearances for Liverpool.

Youngsters are being given a chance to make their mark within star-studded ranks at Anfield, with academy graduates and encouraging signings seeing a prominent platform handed to them.

Johnson expects Elliott to make the most of his opportunities, with the boyhood Liverpool fan living the dream on Merseyside as he looks turn undoubted potential into a lengthy career at the very top of the game.

"Harvey's a Liverpool fan and he really loves Liverpool," Johnson told the Blood Red Podcast of a player he worked with from U12 level at Fulham.

"And nothing ever seemed to faze Harvey. He just wants to play football. It doesn't matter if it's in the back garden or in front of 100,000 – I don't think his heartbeat would change. He takes everything in his stride. He just wants to play football – and wants to win.

"His mentality is elite. That's why he is where he's at. Working at an academy, you see a lot of very good players, who have got tricks and have got skills, but you could tell from quite early on that he had that elite mentality.

"As I said earlier, some people may think he's quiet, but it comes from a place of being really focused. We'd have analysis sessions and he'd be really clever. He'd sit where he'd get the most out of that analysis session. You may have one or two boys in the group who, if you sit next to them, they might distract you. But he made sure he sat away from that.

"He'd have the banter and the jokes at the right time, but when there was information to be given, he'd be at the front, taking it all on board. So, yes, elite mentality from the kid."

Johnson added on his experiences with Elliott: "My first impressions? Good player! Good feet, skilful, knew the game, and like a lot of players who are highly thought of, would play up a year. He was a good character. He was quite a quiet lad – not in a shy way, in a real focused way.

"He knows what he's at the club for; he knows what he's come to training to do – and that's improve and be the best he can be, every single training session and every single game. So, quiet, but that was down to being really, really focused.

"At U12s, technically he was probably the best in the group, but I think the turning point was when he developed physically – and he took real ownership of that himself. He went away and worked really hard on his sprinting, and when I came back across him with the U15s, two or three years later, he was a different beast."



https://www.goal.com/en/news/elliott-loves-liverpool-elite-mentality-17-year-old/10qbkqrr152bq17nbjjv7vt1cc

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Report: Fulham's first move for Leeds United target Florentino Luis has been rejected

According to the Daily Mail, Fulham have failed with a move to sign Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis.

It's claimed that Fulham made a loan-to-buy bid for Luis, but Benfica have rejected their opening offer.

Fulham may well return for Luis, especially as Villarreal are pursuing loanee Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa permanently following a loan spell in Spain.

Benfica are seemingly seeking greater terms for Luis, who has been tipped for a bright future despite seeing his progress stall.

Primarily a defensive midfielder, the 21-year-old has impressed with his ability to protect his back four, possessing a strong reading of the game as well as bite in the tackle.

However, Luis played just 10 league games last season, and may now need to move on if he is to fulfil his potential.

Fulham aren't alone in the race for Luis, as the Mail claimed earlier this month that Leeds have asked about a potential deal for the Portuguese ace.

Fulham tried to seize the initiative with a first move for Luis, but they have now failed – and Leeds may be eyeing the situation as the battle for his signature continues.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/08/24/report-fulhams-first-move-for-leeds-united-target-florentino-luis-has-been-rejected/

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Fulham winger completes move to old club – One-year contract agreed, has had Covid-19 test

Fulham youngster Nicolás Santos is completing his move back to Racing Santander, according to reports from the Spanish media.

AS claims that the player has already joined the La Liga side's squad, and only needs to sign the paperwork so the transfer can be made official.

The 20-year-old even had the same Covid-19 test as the rest of the squad, and is ready to play for them in the upcoming season.

The report says Nicolás Santos agreed to a one-year deal with Racing Santander, with the player's contract at Fulham expiring this season.

It's said he's initially joining the academy squad, but should have chances to feature for the first team, depending on his performances.

Nicolas Santos left Racing Santander's youth ranks back in 2016 to join Fulham on a free move. But in these four years, he could never make his debut for the Craven Cottage side, and has now returned to his former club to try and get the minutes he needs to continue his development.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-winger-completes-move-old-club-one-year-contract-agreed-covid-19-test/

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Sky Sports confirm NUFC's interest in Eze & reveal club 'most likely' to pay QPR's asking price

Sky Sports have confirmed Newcastle's interest in QPR's star man Eberechi Eze, but it seems as though Premier League rivals Fulham are the new favourites to sign the talented 22-year-old.

They claim Scott Parker's side are the club 'most likely' to meet his £20million valuation, with ourselves, West Ham, West Brom and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest by Sky Sports.

Crystal Palace are the only club to register an official bid so far, having a £12m offer rejected earlier this month.

Here's a snippet from their latest piece on the England U-21 star, which confirms we are one of FIVE clubs keen:

    "Fulham have joined a clutch of Premier League clubs in the race to sign Eberechi Eze from QPR.

    QPR did not want to put Eze in an awkward position by playing him in Saturday's friendly as Premier League interest in the forward intensifies. Fulham are thought to be most likely to meet QPR's £20m valuation of the player as it stands.

    The England U21 attacker has also attracted interest from West Ham, Newcastle and West Brom, and was the subject of a failed £12m bid from Crystal Palace earlier this month."

£20m may eat considerably into Bruce's summer budget, but he consistently looked one of the second tiers best players last season, bagging 14 goals and 8 assists in a poor Rangers side and could soon be worth double that if and when he shows what he can do at Premier League level.

QPR boss Mark Warbuton has also confirmed that he sat out of their pre-season win over Wimbledon on Saturday amid interest from several Premier League sides:

    "He's a QPR player but there are a few bits and pieces going on. What we have to do is just respect that and look after a guy who has come through the ranks here, and he's one of ours.

    "We look after all of our players. It was the right decision [not to play him] today and we'll see what happens in the coming days."

It will be such a shame to see another transfer target go to another Premier League rival. Even more painful is the fact that club legend Les Ferdinand emphasised to Newcastle Fans TV last month that he'd sell the 22-year-old to Steve Bruce and put in a good work about his former club should we match QPR's asking price.

Again, a lack of ambition in the transfer market could cost us here. Instead of singing players like Eze with bags of potential, we are spending the summer shopping in the 'bargain bucket', watching our targets seem more likely to sign for newly promoted sides.

With Bruce wanting to move to 4-2-3-1 this season it is imperative we sign attacking midfielders this window – especially now we've also lost Lazaro – but if players such as are Eze out of our reach, we have to wonder what state the squad will be in come our first game of the season.



https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2020/08/24/sky-sports-confirm-nufcs-interest-in-eze-reveal-club-most-likely-to-pay-qprs-asking-price/

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Crystal Palace re-enter negotations with QPR over £20m-rated Eberechi Eze as Eagles look to beat Fulham to talented winger

    Crystal Palace are back in negotiations with QPR over a deal for Eberechi Eze
    The Eagles are keen on signing the Championship winger this summer
    The Premier League side are looking to include add ons to reach £20m valuation
    Newly-promoted Fulham had made enquiries for the winger over the weekend

Crystal Palace are back in negotiations with QPR over a deal for Eberechi Eze.

The 22-year old winger is set on a move to Palace despite enquiries from Fulham over the weekend.

QPR value the England U21 international at £20m and rejected Palace's offer of £12m last month.


Crystal Palace are back in negotiations for £20m-rated QPR winger Eberechi Eze


The Eagles saw a £12m bid rejected last month and are looking to get closer to the valuation

Talks are ongoing with Palace offering add-ons to try and get closer to QPR's valuation, and the two clubs are negotiating over percentages.

Palace hope to bring in two signings over the next week with Roy Hodgson eager to bolster his forward options.

They will listen to offers of around £7m for Christian Benteke who has turned down a proposal from the Middle East.

Watford's Danny Welbeck, Ollie Watkins of Brentford and Mainz striker Jean-Philippe Mateta have been discussed.


Roy Hodgson is looking to bolster his attacking options at goal-shy palace this summer



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8659713/Crystal-Palace-enter-negotations-QPR-20m-rated-Eberechi-Eze.html

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Fulham make enquiry to sign Patrik Schick from AS Roma

Fulham have made an enquiry for AS Roma striker Patrik Schick, reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

The Cottagers have experienced a relatively quiet summer transfer window and they have made just one new addition to the squad in the form of Antonee Robinson.

With nearly six weeks remaining before the transfer deadline, they still have plenty of time to strengthen the side and their main focus could lie on recruiting a new centre-forward.

Aleksandar Mitrovic netted 26 goals in the club's promotion campaign from the Championship last term, but no other player was able to reach double figures in terms of scoring.

Hence, manager Steve Parker will definitely want to bolster the strikeforce ahead of the new Premier League season and Romano has revealed that the club have made an enquiry for Schick.

Still, the Cottagers may not have the advantage in the pursuit of the former RB Leipzig loanee, considering Bayer Leverkusen are eager to sign him with the imminent departure of Kai Havertz to Chelsea.

The Bundesliga outfit can provide the Czech Republic international with the assurance of Europa League football and that may hamper the Cottagers' prospects of landing his services this summer.

Schick spent the previous campaign on loan with Leipzig, where he bagged 10 goals and two assists from 22 Bundesliga appearances. He is currently valued at £22.5m, as per Transfermarkt.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com



https://sportslens.com/fulham-make-enquiry-to-sign-patrik-schick-from-as-roma/309674/

[WhiteJC]

Palace ready to improve offer for QPR star Eze

Crystal Palace have indicated that they are ready to improve their offer for QPR star Ebere Eze.

The Eagles have been interested in Eze for more than two years and had an approach for him rejected in January.

More recently they had a £12m bid turned down by Rangers, who want £20m for the forward.

Palace saw no reason to increase their offer as they were aware theirs was the only bid on the table.

But with Fulham having now indicated they are ready to better Palace's offer, the south London club seem prepared to offer more money.

Eze, 22, has long been aware of Palace's interest and would favour a move to Selhurst Park.

Prior to Fulham entering the fray, the only concrete interest had been from Palace and West Ham, despite several other Premier League clubs having been linked with him.

He has a year remaining on his contract but QPR hold an option to extend that deal by 12 months, meaning he is effectively under contract until 2022.

Rangers quickly rejected Palace's offer in the hope that other clubs would come in for Eze and spark a bidding war.

And Fulham's interest appears to have nudged Palace towards discussing a deal which, with add-ons, would be nearer the £20m mark.

West Ham indicated last month that they were interested in signing Eze.

Both the Hammers and QPR hoped any deal might include Jordan Hugill moving to Loftus Road in part-exchange.

Rangers were also interested in West Ham midfielder Josh Cullen.

But Hugill, who scored 15 goals while on loan with the R's last season, opted for a move to Norwich.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-ebere-eze-crystal-palace-ebere-eze-250202

[WhiteJC]

Fulham linked with Schick swoop

Fulham have made an approach for Roma striker Patrik Schick, according to various reports this evening.

The Whites have entered the race to sign the Czech forward by making an official approach to the Serie A side, who are currently in talks with Bayer Leverkusen regarding a possible deal. Leverkusen have identified Schick, who spent last season on loan at Champions' League semi-finals RB Leipzig, as a possible replacement for the apparently Chelsea-bound Kai Havertz.

Schick, who scored ten goals in 22 league appearances for Leipzig, began his career with Sparta Prague, whom he helped win the Czech double in 2014 during his breakthrough season. He signed for Sampdoria in 2016, scoring eleven goals in 32 league appearances, and looked set for a big-money move to Juventus, only to twice fail a medical at the Turin outfit.

Schick joined Roma – initially on loan – but has struggled to replicate his early goalscoring form in Italy. He has managed eight goals in 58 appearances for the Giallorossi, who loaned him to Leipzig last September. Schick is reportedly interested in returning to Germany, with Leverkusen able to offer him European football, so it remains to be seen whether Fulham's enquiry can tempt the 24 year-old, who has won 22 senior caps for his country – scoring nine goals – to consider a switch to the newly-promoted Premier League side.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/08/fulham-linked-with-schick-swoop/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fulham-linked-with-schick-swoop

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Bristol City line up loan move for Fulham defender also wanted by Swansea City and Reading FC

Dean Holden would ideally like to add a right wing-back before the start of the Championship season


Steven Sessegnon in action for Fulham last season

Bristol City are targeting a loan move for Fulham's England Under-21 international right-back Steven Sessegnon.

Bristol Live understands that City are hopeful of landing the 20-year-old ahead of Championship rivals Swansea City and Reading, but the Cottagers are yet to make a final decision on his future.

If City are successful in bringing him to Ashton Gate, Sessegnon looks set to compete with Jack Hunt and Zak Vyner as a right wing-back in Dean Holden's preferred 3-5-2 formation.

With Pedro Pereira having returned to Benfica following the conclusion of his loan at the end of the 2019/20 season, City are a man light on the right flank.

Vyner finished the season in that role, making some impressive performances, but the 23-year-old is also a centre-back option and Sessegnon would provide further cover and competition in what could be a key area of the field for City.

Sessegnon, the twin brother of Tottenham's Ryan, made 14 Championship appearances, starting nine matches but may find his opportunities in the Premier League limited following Fulham's promotion.

The 20-year-old, who is under contract until 2022 with the option of a further year, is third-choice right-back behind Dennis Odoi and Republic of Ireland international Cyrus Christie, and Fulham are likely to feel his long-term development will be aided by a full Championship season.

City will be hoping Sessegnon's relationship with new assistant coach Paul Simpson could help swing the deal, having worked with the defender at England Under-20 level.

However, the presence of Swansea as an interested party also potentially complicates any approach as Swans head coach Steve Cooper has been successful in bringing a number of his former England Under-17 players to the Liberty Stadium.

Rhian Brewster (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea) and Marc Guehi (Chelsea) have all been signed on temporary deals by the South Wales club, thanks to Cooper's connections, with Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White poised to be the next.

Sessegnon was part of the England team which lifted the U17 World Cup in India, playing five times at the tournament under Cooper.



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-city-line-up-loan-4454271

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'A near-perfect fit' – Ebere Eze transfer development emerges involving QPR and Fulham: 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...

QPR are reportedly keen to include Fulham defender Alfie Mawson in any deal that would see playmaker Ebere Eze go the other way.

Eze missed the R's first pre-season friendly on Saturday amid significant interest from Premier League sides, with Leeds United, Crystal Palace and West Ham United all linked.

According to reputable journalist Alan Nixon, Fulham have joined the chase and are well set financially to complete a deal.

It is understood, however, that the R's are keen to sign Mawson in any deal that would see Eze move to Craven Cottage.

But is that a good deal?

We pressed our FLW writers on just that...

Alfie Burns

It's obviously not like-for-like, but it's a decent addition.

Mawson is a good centre-back, but he has lost his way at Fulham in the last couple of years.

He needs to find his feet again in the Championship and at QPR it could be really good for him.

Mark Warburton likes his side to play progressive football and that will suit Mawson, who can start to express himself on the ball.

There's a void in Warburton's defence that's going to need to be filled, which makes Mawson a near-perfect fit.

If you were of a QPR persuasion, it's a potential deal to get excited about heading into the new season.

George Harbey

This would be a shrewd piece of business by Queens Park Rangers.

Eze looks set to leave west London and his departure will obviously leave big shoes to fill this summer, given how important he has proven to be in terms of goal contributions and offering threat going forward, and it will be a tough ask to replace him.

Whilst Mawson obviously wouldn't be a direct replacement for the midfielder, he would be a solid addition for a QPR side that needs strengthening in defence following the departure of Grant Hall to Middlesbrough, and if they can include him in any deal for Eze, it would be a wise move.

Mawson has performed really well in the Premier League for Swansea in the past, and although he hasn't endured the best of spells at Fulham thus far, he's a commanding figure in defence who QPR could really do with, and he's still at an age where he can get better and regain his form.

He'd add real leadership and stability to the back-line, and this would soften the blow of Eze's potential exit.

Jacob Potter

You can understand their thinking behind this.

The Hoops are going to be reluctant to allow Eze to leave the club this summer, so it makes sense for them to look at getting a player in return, as well as a sizeable transfer fee.

Mawson didn't have the second-half of the season he would have originally hoped for with Fulham, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him leave the club this summer, as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.

He'd be a solid addition to the QPR team next season, and he'd be guaranteed regular minutes with Mark Warburton's side.

Toni Leistner has been told he can leave the club, and it leaves Warburton light on options in the heart of defence.

If they're to go ahead with a deal with Fulham for Eze, then it should be a no-brainer for the club to look at getting Mawson to come the other way.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/a-near-perfect-fit-ebere-eze-transfer-development-emerges-involving-qpr-and-fulham-the-verdict/

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Bristol City seeking Sessegnon loan switch

Bristol City are aiming to take Fulham full-back Steven Sessegnon on a season-long loan, according to reports this morning.

New City boss Dean Holden has made adding a right back to his squad one of his top priorities during the summer transfer window after Pedro Pereira's loan from Benfica finished at the end of last season. Fulham are open to letting their academy graduate go out on loan to add his development but are yet to make a final decision on Sessegnon's future, with their squad having only returned to pre-season training at Motspur Park yesterday.

Sessegnon, who made fourteen appearances as Fulham won promotion via the Championship play-offs last season, appears unlikely to gain further first team football at Craven Cottage this term with Denis Odoi and Cyrus Christie ahead of him in the pecking order and the Whites reportedly eager to bring in another right back before the start of the new campaign. The 20 year-old wouldn't be short of suitors should Fulham decide to send him out on loan with Swansea City, managed by Steve Cooper – who had Sessegnon in his England Under-17 side that won the World Cup in 2017, and Reading also apparently monitoring his availability.

Sessegnon, the twin brother of now-Tottenham winger Ryan, has long been regarded as one of Fulham's brightest young talents. He made his professional debut in a League Cup win at Wycombe Wanderers under Slavisa Jokanovic in 2017 and was handed a first league start by Parker in the 2-1 victory over Huddersfield last August. He has made 21 senior appearances for Fulham, who have turned down several approaches from Spurs for his services over the past few years.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/08/bristol-city-seeking-sessegnon-loan-switch/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bristol-city-seeking-sessegnon-loan-switch