Thursday Fulham Stuff - 27/08/20...

[WhiteJC]

Fulham still in talks over deal – Counter offer made by Cottagers

Milliyet report Galatasaray and Fulham are still negotiating an exchange deal involving Jean Michael Seri and Ryan Babel.

The Turkish newspaper report Gala have offered Babel so they can loan Seri from Fulham for one season, however, the London club are looking to sell their player permanently.

Subsequently the London club have made a counter-offer to the Super Lig side by requesting €7m for Seri, plus Babel.

Milliyet claim the Turkish side can't afford to pay €7m to Fulham because of their poor financial situation, and now they are looking at other ways to complete a deal for the player.

It's reported Gala are hoping to loan the player again and they are ready to wait until the end of the transfer window to make this happen.

Following Fulham's promotion to the Premier League there were reports Seri could stay at Craven Cottage, but it seems the Istanbul side are insistent on re-signing him.

Seri made 27 Turkish Super Lig appearances last season, scoring two goals. His contract with Fulham will expire at the end of June 2022.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-still-talks-deal-counter-offer-made-cottagers/

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: Fulham set sights on signing £10m-valued Derby County star

Fulham have set their sights on signing Derby County rising star Jayden Bogle, Football Insider understands.

The newly-promoted Premier League club are looking to strengthen at right-back and the 20-year-old County ace is on their target lost.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Derby have set a £10million asking price on the product of their academy.

The youngster has attracted interest from Premier League clubs since breaking into the first team when Frank Lampard was in charge two seasons ago.

West Ham have also taken a close look at Bogle, who has already played 77 Championship matches despite only turning 20 a month ago.

Fulham are in the market for a right-back to add competition ahead of their Premier League return.

Bogle is highly regarded for his dynamism and is a full-back in the modern mould, who is a key creator for his side.

The England Under-20 international has already accumulated 17 assists as well as three goals from his 91 senior Derby appearances.

He was a mainstay of the starting XI under both Lampard and Phillip Cocu, whose side ended last season in a disappointing 10th position.

The previous campaign they had suffered play-off final heartache when beaten by Aston Villa at Wembley.

Bogle has two years left on his current contract at Derby and they could be tempted by an offer this summer that would allow Cocu to strengthen his squad elsewhere.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-fulham-set-sights-on-signing-10m-valued-derby-county-star/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Leeds ready to fight Fulham for the signature of Calum Chambers

Leeds United are close to signing Rodrigo from Valencia on a club-record deal, but the Whites are reportedly working on bolstering other areas as well.

Marcelo Bielsa's side are looking to bolster their defence as well, and Leeds are interested in signing Rob Holding from Arsenal. It seems the newly-promoted side are also asking about Holding's club team-mate, Calum Chambers.

Leeds have failed in their attempts to bring Ben White back to Elland Road after his loan spell last term, and are now exploring other options.

According to reports from TeamTalk, Leeds are stepping up their chase in the 25-year-old who is surplus to requirements at the Emirates.

The report claims that Chambers has been told by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta that he is not in his long-term plans and is free to leave.

According to Graham Smyth of the YEP, Leeds are in talks to sign Freiburg's Robin Koch, and it appears that the Whites are keeping their options open.

And now teamtalk are reporting that the Whites have made contact with the Gunners over a potential move for Chambers.

Arsenal are willing to do business for £12 million. The report adds that Premier League rivals Fulham are also interested in Chambers who has made just over 100 appearances in the five seasons he spent at Arsenal.



https://sportslens.com/report-leeds-ready-to-fight-fulham-for-the-signature-of-calum-chambers/309969/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham plot raid on ex-Championship rival for creative outlet

Derby County starlet Jayden Bogle has fresh admirers from the Premier League in the form of newly-promoted Fulham.

Scott Parker is looking shape his defence ahead of a return to the Premier League and appears set on cherry-picking some top talent out of the Championship.

According to Football Insider, Fulham have eyes on Bogle, who has had a £10m price-tag slapped on him by Derby this summer.

The right-back burst onto the scene under Frank Lampard in 2018/19 and helped Derby reach the play-offs.

He was involved in the stunning semi-final win over Leeds, but was unable to help the Rams win promotion to the Premier League and was part of the side that lost to Aston Villa at Wembley.

In total, the 20-year-old featured on 43 occasions that season, scoring two goals and registering a further nine assists.

Despite the departure of Lampard and subsequent appointment of Phillip Cocu, Bogle's development hasn't stalled, with another 37 appearances in the season gone by.

There was another goal for the attack-minded right-back, whilst he also registered five assists as the Rams finished in mid-table.

The Verdict

Right-back was a problem position for Parker last season in the Championship. He had Cyrus Christie and Denis Odoi, who are two players with very different traits.

There's more comparison to be made between Bogle and Christie, but you can't deny the Derby man is a talent and, after losing Cody Drameh to Leeds United, there's a need to look at the long-term.

At 20, Bogle is a top player and will only get better.

It'd be £10m well spent. There's goals and assists in Bogle, as well as a decent defensive game.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-transfer-jayden-bogle-derby/

[WhiteJC]

Southampton and Fulham 'have just found agreement' for player's transfer – Will move 'barring unforeseen U-turn'

Loaned out to Galatasaray, Mario Lemina remains a Southampton player, where he is contracted until 2022.

However, Ralph Hasenhüttl doesn't appear to be a fan of the midfielder, which means his return to the club isn't all that welcome.

That's why a move away has been organised for the Gabon international, who is now expected to play at Fulham next season.

That's what France Football are reporting on Wednesday, claiming that 'barring an unforeseen U-turn', Lemina 'should play' for the Cottagers.

It's likely to be a full transfer for the former Marseille player, with the various parties 'having just found an agreement' for his move from Southampton to London.

That means he will be charged to help the newly promoted side remain in the Premier League, which they weren't able to do last time they were in the top-tier.

Moving to St Mary's from Juventus in 2017 for a fee of £15.5m, the 26-year-old made 52 appearances for the Saints during his stay there, scoring two goals and picking up two assists along the way.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/southampton-fulham-just-found-agreement-players-transfer-will-move-barring-unforeseen-u-turn/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham set to complete £8m Harrison Reed transfer after successful loan spell last season

Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed is set to return to Fulham on a permanent transfer after a successful loan stint at Craven Cottage in 2019/20 ( Getty Images )

Fulham are set to complete the signing of midfielder Harrison Reed on a permanent deal from Southampton for £8million.

The 25-year-old spent last season on loan with the club and became a key cog in Scott Parker's side as they gained promotion back to the Premier League with a play-off final win over London rivals Brentford.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl was happy to keep Reed as part of his squad on the south coast, but could not offer the same secure position available at Craven Cottage.

The Saints announced their new list of first-team squad numbers for the season ahead on Tuesday, with Reed absent.

The agreement between the two clubs was said to be straightforward given that Fulham had an option to make the loan move permanent before it expired.

However, talks were delayed as Reed's representatives opened discussions with demands over his salary that were higher than expected.

There has been plenty of interest in the midfielder who made his Southampton debut back in 2013 but has spent the past three seasons away on loan, with a number of Premier League clubs keen as well as the three sides relegated to the Championship last season.

However, having gained promotion from the second tier in 2019/20, Reed wasn't too keen on a return to the Championship and feels ready for the top-flight.

Speaking to Standard Sport during Fulham's play-off campaign, Reed said: "I do [see myself in the Premier League next season]. I feel like my whole career I've been working towards being that.

"Sometimes you feel like you're ready but really if you look back on it, you're probably not. I feel like these three years, three seasons on loan learning off different managers and playing with different players and getting different experiences can only stand me in good stead.

"I'm working towards being a Premier League player and, hopefully, that comes next season."

Reed's arrival will add to the signing of young full-back Antonee Robinson, who joined Fulham from Wigan earlier this month.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/harrison-reed-fulham-transfer-latest-8m-deal-a4533906.html

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham keen to sign Aston Villa target Grady Diangana

According to reports from The Sun, Fulham are interested in signing Grady Diangana from West Ham in the summer transfer window.

The Hammers are looking to keep hold of the 22-year-old winger who is valued at around £15m. However, West Ham also need to offload some of their players to raise the funds for new arrivals.

However, Fulham are not the only club looking to secure his signature. The report claims that the newly-promoted Premier League side West Brom are also keen.

Diangana spent the last season on loan at the Hawthorns, where managed to score eight goals for the Baggies as they secured promotion back to the top flight. He picked up seven assists as well.

According to a recent report from Football London, the Hammers won't entertain any permanent offers for the winger.

Fulham have been heavily linked with a move for Ollie Watkins, Matty Cash, and Calum Wilson in recent days, and it seems they're looking to add Diangana to their ranks.

Challenge from Aston Villa

Apparently, Dean Smith's Aston Villa are interested in signing Diangana as well.

Villa are looking to add pace and goals to their attack, and Diangana would be a fantastic signing for them.

Diangana would be looking to make an impact in the Premier League this season, and it remains to be seen whether he does so at West Ham or at another club.



https://sportslens.com/report-fulham-keen-to-sign-aston-villa-target-grady-diangana/309981/

[WhiteJC]

Leicester eye Bryan as Chelsea sign Chilwell

Joe Bryan is among the potential replacements for Ben Chilwell being considered by Leicester.

Chelsea have completed the signing of England left-back Chilwell, 23, from the East Midlands club.

And Leicester have identified Bryan, 26, as a possible signing.

Bryan was Fulham's play-off final hero, with his two extra-time goals clinching victory over Brentford at Wembley and the Whites' return to the top flight.

He has made 78 appearances for Fulham since being signed from Bristol City two years ago.

Fulham recently signed left-back Antonee Robinson from Wigan.

Meanwhile, the Whites have made an approach for Brentford star Ollie Watkins and are also interested in Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson.

But they will miss out on QPR forward Ebere Eze, who is set to join Crystal Palace.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/chelsea/football-was-leicester-eye-fulham-man-as-replacement-for-chelsea-bound-chilwell

[WhiteJC]

Fulham In Double Transfer Swoop On St Mary's

Saints fans will have mixed view on the news that Fulham are about to make a double swoop on the club, but the reality is both players have contributed little over the past few season, so from this perspective won't be missed.

The news that Fulham are said to have agreed an £8 million fee for Harrison Reed won't come as a shock to many, but when it seems that he will be joined by Mario Lemina, that will be a shock.

Reed has barely played for Saints in the last 5 years, not at all in the last 3 and in truth if he stayed at the club it would be hard to see who he would get in the side in front of, he is a tidy player but is he truly Premier League quality, some would say that he is, but he has barely played at that level and the last 5 Saints Managers have not seen anything that suggests he is better than what they had.

He needs a change of scenery and he is proven in the Championship, we will get a decent fee and get his wages off the books and we like him have to move on.

It is ironic that Lemina might be joining him, he is a player who is the opposite to Harrison Reed, whereas Reed is a hard worker and model pro and deserves all the success he gets whether it is at Saints or elsewhere, Lemina has undoubted talent, but has a poor attitude and would rather be a squad player and take the money, than push himself to his limits and become a solid professional.

Like most clubs he goes to the fans will see some good performances and initially he will look a bargain, but he cannot apply himself for long and it will soon become apparent just why he has had so many clubs and that turning 27 next week he has only started 106 league games plus 44 as sub spanning 5 clubs and 7 years, ironically Saints being his most productive period and we all know that wasn't exactly a raging success.

A good weeks work for Saints that even if they have to sell Lemina at half the fee they paid for him will be a case of freeing up a lot of wages, if Saints pull in £16 million for the pair they will also free up around £85 k a week, that will finance another good signing.

Of course we might see them both great successes next season, that is a chance we have to take, but Lemina in particular failed to turn his talent into consistency and given that neither have played for us recently this deal represents good business.



https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/52785/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham reach agreement with Southampton for Mario Lemina

Fulham have moved into pole position to sign Mario Lemina, with Foot Mercato reporting that they have reached an agreement for the Southampton midfielder.

Lemina's future has looked set to lie away from St Mary's for some time. The Gabon international spent last season on loan at Galatasaray.

Foot Mercato has suggested that Gala would like to keep the 26-year-old. However, it appears that he is on course to remain in the Premier League next season.

According to the report, Fulham have reached an agreement with the Saints over a potential move for the former Juventus man.

It would appear that personal terms still need to be discussed with the player.

TBR View: Southampton need to strengthen should Lemina leave

In truth, it is difficult to imagine Lemina playing for Hasenhuttl's men again. Despite his ability, he has arguably not shown anywhere near enough since his £18.1 million move (fee reported by BBC Sport) to justify getting into the team ahead of some of his teammates.

But his departure should still act as a catalyst for a move to bring a midfielder in. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has already left, and Scott Parker also has the opportunity to make Harrison Reed's loan permanent (via London Evening Standard).

They are therefore, looking set to be a little light in the middle of the park. So the supporters may be hoping that Lemina's potential exit is swiftly following by the arrival of a new signing.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-fulham-reach-agreement-with-southampton-for-mario-lemina/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham in double Southampton swoop with Mario Lemina set to follow Harrison Reed to Craven Cottage

Fulham are closing in on a deal to sign Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina on loan.

The move comes with the Cottagers also set to complete the permanent signing of Lemina's Saints team-mate Harrison Reed, who spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage.

Lemina, who signed for Southampton from Juventus in 2017, spent last season on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray and is one of the many players the south coast side are keen to get off their books.

Southampton were eager to sell Lemina and clear his wages for good, but no clubs have appeared to want to meet the asking price, which stands at around £10million.

Galatasaray were looking to orchestrate a deal but lacked the necessary funds, while Crystal Palace were offered the chance to sign the 26-year-old but decided against a move.

It is understood the deal includes an obligation to buy should Fulham remain in the Premier League come the end of the 2020-21 season.

Fulham have already completed the signing of young full-back Antonee Robinson from Wigan, and are pushing hard to bolster their squad for a return to the Premier League.

The club have, however, assured supporters that their spending this summer will not result in the squad that earned them promotion being pulled apart or pushed aside, as was the case two years ago.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-transfer-news-mario-lemina-loan-deal-southampton-a4533956.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham plot triple Premier League swoop as they target Arsenal and West Ham aces

Fulham boss Scott Parker is ready to add to the signing of defender Antonee Robinson by bringing in a trio of Premier League players following their promotion from the Championship

Fulham are eyeing up a triple swoop for Mario Lemina, Emile Smith Rowe and Grady Diangana.

Cottagers boss Scott Parker wants to reinforce his newly-promoted squad and sees all three players as good options.

Midfielder Lemina, who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, is up for sale after being told he has no future at Southampton.

And Fulham are in pole position to land the 26-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, ahead of Besiktas.

Arsenal starlet Smith Rowe is also firmly on Fulham's radar for a season-long loan.

The Gunners have already knocked back an enquiry from Monaco for the 20-year-old, but he is open to a move to Fulham.

Leeds are also interested in Smith Rowe but Fulham are leading the race for the forward, who spent last season on loan at Huddersfield.

West Ham winger Diangana is also a Fulham target but the Hammers do not want to sell the 22-year-old.

Diangana had a successful spell on loan at West Brom last season and the Baggies want him back on a permanent basis.

But David Moyes has high hopes for the England Under 21 ace and has told him he will get games at London Stadium this season.



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-transfer-news-premier-league-22583264

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham planning £10m bid for 'fantastic' talent; Cottagers player offered as makeweight

Premier League newcomers Fulham are set to make a £10 million player-plus-cash deal to sign Nottingham Forest right-back Matty Cash, according to the Telegraph.

As Sheffield United will tell you, Forest are not looking to Cash in on Matty any time soon, despite being consigned to another season of Championship football.

The Blades saw a £10 million bid rejected last month with the two-time European champions making it clear that their rampaging right-back would not be leaving the City Ground for a penny less than £15 million.

But maybe Fulham can twist their arm.

The Telegraph reports that the play-off winners are planning a bid that would see £10 million arrive in Forest's coffers and a new player enter Sabri Lamouchi's squad.

It remains to be seen who Fulham will offer as a makeweight and there are certainly a few players at Scott Parker's disposal who would walk into Forest's starting XI.

Take Alfie Mawson for example; a commanding and classy central defender who looks the ideal replacement for the exit-linked Joe Worrall at the City Ground.

Experienced full-back Cyrus Christie is another potential option and a ready-made replacement for Cash to boot.

The report adds that Aston Villa and West Ham are rivalling Sheffield United for the signature of a converted winger, although Fulham are currently in pole position for Cash's signature.

"He's a fantastic player," former Cottagers midfielder Jamie O'Hara told talkSPORT (6 August, 11:00am).

"He's a good player and he will play in the Premier League. I did think the likes of Sheffield United and Burnley, that type, he would be right up their street because he's very good physically, he's good on the ball.

"So I'm not surprised to see him linked with some very good Premier League clubs."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/08/26/report-fulham-planning-10m-bid-for-fantastic-talent-cottagers-player-offered-as-makeweight/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea Academy Product Jordan Aina Continues Showing Off His Skills To Fulham

English Premier League newcomers Fulham are still running the rule over Nigerian fullback Jordan Aina, the younger brother of Super Eagles fullback Ola Aina, with a view to a possible transfer in the summer transfer window, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Jordan Aina participated in Fulham U23s second pre-season friendly, a 2-0 loss to Brighton & Hove.

The 2001-born defender was named in the starting lineup for the second consecutive game played by the young Cottagers in pre-season.

Aina covered himself in glory in his first game for Fulham, helping the London team keep a clean sheet in a 5-0 rout of Reading FC 5-0 at Bearwood Park last Saturday.

He will be spending the new season at a new club following the end of his contract with Chelsea, where he spent close to a decade having joined the club at U9 level.

Fulham U23s are coached by a Nigerian, Colin Omogbehin, who played a key role in the development of Victor Moses at Crystal Palace.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=37196

[WhiteJC]

Report: Leeds target open to joining Premier League rivals, who now lead race

Fulham are leading Leeds United in the race to sign the Arsenal midfielder, Emile Smith-Rowe, according to The Daily Star.

Both sides were linked with moves for Smith-Rowe earlier this week, despite Arsenal having reportedly 'knocked back an enquiry from Monaco'.

But Leeds appear to be facing an uphill battle to land the former Huddersfield loanee, whom it's claimed is 'open to a move to Fulham'.

Smith-Rowe grew up in London, albeit in the south of England's capital, and the chance to stay there could have a significant bearing on any decision with which he is faced.

The 20-year-old can play anywhere across the middle third of the pitch, including out wide. But it is in a central role that he starred for Huddersfield last season, scoring or making five goals in 19 Championship games.

Leeds have been strongly linked with a move for Ryan Kent of Rangers, and Smith-Rowe would, on paper, be a decent alternative if Kent cannot be prised from Ibrox.

Fulham, who came up behind Leeds last season, are also in pole position to sign the Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina and want the West Ham winger Grady Diangana, according to The Daily Star.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/08/26/report-leeds-target-open-to-joining-premier-league-rivals-they-lead-race/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham eyeing Bogle bid

Fulham are interested in signing Derby County full-back Jayden Bogle, according to reports this afternoon.

The Football Insider claims that the young Rams right back is Scott Parker's number one target as the Whites seek to strengthen their defence before their return to the Premier League next month. Other reports have suggested that the Londoners are looking to land the Nottingham Forest defender Matty Cash and have been preparing a £10m offer, with plans to send a Fulham player to the City Ground as part of the deal.

Bogle, who was released by Reading aged fourteen, was handed a senior debut by Frank Lampard in a 2-0 win over Oldham in the League Cup in August 2018. He went on to make 50 first-team appearances that year, scoring two goals, as Derby missed out on promotion when they lost in the play-off final to Aston Villa. The 20 year-old has become one of the Championship's most consistent full-backs and 37 league appearances for the Rams as they finished six points behind sixth-placed Swansea in tenth despite a revival in the second half of the season that briefly hinted at making the play-offs.

Bogle, who has been capped by England at under-20 level, has previously interested West Ham, Crystal Palace and Brighton but Derby rebuffed several suitors by slapping a £10m valuation on the defender during the January transfer window. The youngster's pace and sense of adventure make him a modern full-back in every sense and, with two years remaining on his current deal at Pride Park, Derby could drive a hard bargain if Fulham are serious about concluding a deal for this highly-rated prospect.


https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/08/fulham-eyeing-bogle-bid/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fulham-eyeing-bogle-bid

[WhiteJC]

Fulham + Leeds in for Chambers transfer this summer

Fulham and Leeds United are both showing an interest in signing Calum Chambers from Arsenal this summer, according to reports.

Earlier this week, Goal reported that Calum Chambers could leave Arsenal this summer, and Fulham are one of the clubs with an interest in him.

Chambers spent time at Craven Cottage on loan in 2018/19, and the recently-promoted side are keen to bring him back.

TEAMtalk also name Fulham as a side with an interest in Chambers. They claim the Cottagers recently spoke to Arsenal about a potential move. They add that Leeds are in the same position, holding initial discussions with the Gunners over a move.

As per the most recent Arsenal update, Chambers is continuing with running drills and light ball work as he recovers from his ACL injury.

The club aren't putting an exact timetable on his recovery yet. They're reporting that he's aiming for a return to full training 'as soon as possible' in 2020.

You'd think he's close enough now to undergo the necessary medical tests to complete a transfer, though. You don't have to be fully fit to do so, as we saw with Kieran Tierney last summer.

Chambers was playing well before his injury last season, but if Arsenal have the chance to offload one or two centre-backs for decent money, they shouldn't really hesitate. They have more than enough in the squad already.



https://dailycannon.com/2020/08/fulham-leeds-in-for-chambers-transfer-this-summer/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham and Leeds interested in Emile Smith Rowe

According to reports from The Mirror (transfer live blog, 14.49), newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham are keen to sign Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe this summer.

The report claims that the Cottagers want to take the 20-year-old prospect on a season-long loan. They are hoping to offer him regular Premier League games.

There have been interest from Monaco to sign the forward who was part of the England under-17s World Cup-winning squad in 2017. However, the Gunners have knocked back their approach.

Smith Rowe went on loan to Huddersfield last season, and chances are high that he would be sent on loan again. However, he is extremely highly-rated at Arsenal, and the Gunners would want him to play for a Premier League club.

Fulham, however, are not alone in the race to sign the young forward. The report claims that Leeds and Crystal Palace have also shown interest.

The London club are pushing hard to sign him as they look to try and bolster their squad following promotion to the top flight.

Another youngster to join Leeds?

While Marcelo Bielsa's side are working hard on bringing in proven quality to bolster the first-team, the Whites have done really well to bolster their youth setup.

Leeds have already signed Dani van den Heuvel (17) from Ajax, Codey Drameh (18) from Fulham, Joe Gelhardt (18) from Wigan and Charlie Allen (16) from Linfield. They are also interested in signing Sam Greenwood from Arsenal.

It remains to be seen whether Leeds can sign both the players from the same club in the next few days.



https://sportslens.com/report-fulham-and-leeds-interested-in-emile-smith-rowe/310038/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'agree Lemina fee'

Fulham have agreed a fee with Southampton for their Gabonese midfielder Mario Lemina, according to France Football.

The 26 year-old has spent the last season on loan with Galatarasay, where he made twenty appearances alongside Jean Michael Seri as Fatih Terim's finished a disappointing sixth in the table. The Turkish club were keen to try and land Lemina on a permanent deal, but the same financial considerations that have dogged their pursuit of Seri made this impossible. Lemina arrived at St. Mary's from Juventus in August 2017 for a club-record fee believed to be more than £15m but has struggled to showcase his full potential with the Saints, making 52 appearances in two seasons and scoring two goals.

He had been in and out of a powerful Juventus side that won back-to-back doubles during his time in Italy and came through the Lorient academy set-up before making the move to Marseilles in 2013. Lemina has won eighteen senior caps for Gabon, scoring three goals, having switched allegiances to the land of his birth after helping the French under-20 side win the World Cup back in 2013.

Fulham are also close to completing the capture of Saints midfielder Harrison Reed, who spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage, with a permanent deal said to be imminent.

UPDATE: Various reports now suggesting that the Lemina deal will be an initial loan, with an option to buy, if it goes through.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/08/fulham-agree-lemina-fee/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fulham-agree-lemina-fee

[WhiteJC]

Fulham reportedly close in on deals for Saints duo Mario Lemina and Harrison Reed

FULHAM are closing in on the signings of Saints duo Mario Lemina and Harrison Reed, according to the Evening Standard.

Reed spent last season on loan at the Cottagers, helping them clinch promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-off final at Wembley.

And the 25-year-old looks set to make that move permanent for a reported fee of £8million.

Fulham had an option to sign Reed during his loan spell, but the Standard claim the deal took longer to complete with the midfielder's wage demands "higher than expected".

And boss Scott Parker is also said to be interested in adding Lemina to his ranks.

The Gabon international, who signed for Saints for £16million from Juventus in 2017, spent last season out on loan at Galatasaray and has not been assigned a squad number at St Mary's for this campaign.

The deal for Lemina, 26, to join Fulham is said to be an initial loan move, which could turn permanent next summer should the west London side stay in the Premier League.



https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/18678326.fulham-reportedly-close-deals-saints-duo-mario-lemina-harrison-reed/?ref=rss