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Thursday Fulham Stuff - 03/09/20...

Started by WhiteJC, September 02, 2020, 12:52:40 PM

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WhiteJC

U23s Report: Tough test for Eagles against second Category 1 challenge

Crystal Palace Under-23s could not find their clinical edge as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Fulham's Under-23 side at Bisham Abbey on Tuesday evening. The Eagles have now faced two Category 1 opponents this pre-season as they prepare for the step-up in the 2020/21 campaign.

Summary


    Jean-Pierre Tiehi puts Fulham in front with an early opener
    A Palace trialist directs effort wide from close range
    Jay Stansfield hits the crossbar for Fulham on the brink of half-time
    Half-time: Fulham 1-0 Palace
    Fulham's Ollie O'Neill makes it 2-0 through a long-range strike
    A trialist thunders a shot just wide after a well-worked Palace move
    Full-time: Fulham 2-0 Palace

Fulham started the game brightly and raced into an early lead courtesy of Tiehi. The frontman lost his marker before sweeping home a first-time strike from close range following a neat cut-back near the byline.

Palace responded to this early setback by looking to instigate a flurry of attacks. Their most notable chance of the opening exchanges came when a trialist squared the ball towards Rob Street in the middle, but the forward mistimed his strike from inside the box.

Shaun Derry's side created another big opportunity in the 23rd minute when the same duo combined again, with Street turning provider on this occasion as his drilled cross was touched just wide of the post by the same trialist.

The remainder of the first-half was largely played out in midfield with there being a lack of clear-cut chances, but the game still had a high intensity with both sides committing a number of crunching challenges in an attempt to tug momentum their way.

Palace had a momentary sight of goal before the interval when a trialist cut inside from the right before seeing his promising drive blocked, while Fulham hit the woodwork on the very brink of half-time when Stansfield edged inside from the right before grazing his strike against the bar.

Fulham kicked the second period off in a similar vein to the first as they created a double salvo of chances straight after the break. Tiehi firstly saw his quick-fire shot blocked on the turn before Jay Rich-Baghuelou showed his athleticism to cut out a Fulham breakaway moments later.

However, the Cottagers did assert their authority when O'Neill doubled their lead in the 49th minute. Palace could not close down the midfielder when he collected the ball, and he then powered a 25-yard strike into the roof of the net to give Fulham the two-goal cushion they had been chasing.

The hosts were soon inches away from adding a third when Timmy Abraham's close-range effort was held by Ollie Webber, but Palace launched an encouraging attack of their own shortly later. In a move which involved three trialists, the ball was sprayed towards Palace's left-winger who slid an inviting delivery into the box, but the arriving trialist smashed his low strike wide of the near post.

This typified Palace's luck on the day as they often produced some promising build-up play before lacking killer instinct in the final third. This was similarly the case when a trialist found himself in a pocket of space on the left side of the box, but he flashed his strike wide of the far post.

Fulham went inches away from making it 3-0 late on when Stanfield met O'Neill's cut-back and whipped his close-range strike wide, but Palace did look to stage one final attack as they won a corner right at the death. However, this came to nothing as neither Street nor Cardo Siddik could get on the end of a looping delivery.

The referee then called time on another challenging match for Derry's men where they will be left rueing several missed chances against high calibre opposition in another beneficial test.

Palace: Webber, Boateng, Rich-Baghuelou (Hobbs 81), Russell, Trialist (Siddik 81), Trialist, Giddings, Trialist (Addy 60), Trialist (Trialist 60), Street.



https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2020/september/match-report-fulham-2-0-crystal-palace-under-23s/

WhiteJC

Report: Fulham planning move for Lyon forward Bertrand Traore

Fulham could make their move to try and sign Lyon winger, Bertrand Traore, with West London Sport claiming that Scott Parker is keen to sign the former Chelsea man.

Traore was once seen as one of the brightest prospects in world football but failed to make the grade with Chelsea really, before sealing a move to Lyon following loan spells with both Vitesse and Ajax.

He has done well in France, too, playing regularly for the French giants. Indeed, he has made 126 appearances for Lyon, scoring 33 and assisting a further 17, per Transfermarkt.

However, it appears Traore could be on his way out of the club, with Fulham ready to offer him a route back to the Premier League.

Scott Parker is clearly making a big play to strengthen his squad following promotion. He has already signed Antonee Robinson, Harrison Reed, and Mario Lemina, and is now targeting attacking options.

While there is no mention of a fee, it is expected that Lyon will look for more than the £8.8m they reportedly paid for him back in 2017.

The Burkina Faso international is a different player to the one we all saw at Chelsea. He's no longer just a raw talent who can make an impact off the bench, Traore is someone who can now firmly be a first-team regular.

He's got 52 caps for his country and as mentioned, has played over 100 times for Lyon. The experience, then, is there with the winger.

And at 24, time is firmly on his side if he wants to prove himself back in the PL. With Fulham needing to add more goals and give themselves more options in attack, Traore could prove a shrewd acquisition by the Cottagers.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-fulham-planning-move-for-lyon-forward-bertrand-traore/

WhiteJC

Fulham U18s held by Palace

Goals from Mika Biereth and Xavier Benjamin secured a 2-2 draw for Fulham's under 18s in their latest pre-season friendly against Crystal Palace yesterday.

The Whites went ahead with just two minutes on the clock when Biereth burst onto a lofted through ball, sped away from the Eagles defence and finished clinically into the bottom corner. But they were pegged back almost immediately when striker Victor Akinwale bundled home Jesurun Rak-Sakyi's cross from close range.

In a lively opening, both sides had chances to go in front. Rak-Sakyi saw a venomous strike blocked by the visiting defence and Akinwale had a rising drive pushed aside. At the other, Biereth went agonising close to putting Fulham ahead again when he guided a finish fractionally wide of the far post after being released behind the Palace defence once more.

It was the young Eagles who grabbed the game's next goal just after the half hour mark. A flowing move culminated with Rak-Sakyi producing a devilish cross that midfielder David Omilabu converted at the back post. Fulham pressed for an equaliser of their own throughout the second period but were denied until a wonderfully delivered free-kick from Matt Dibley-Dias found Benjamin at the back post and the defender's thumping header levelled matters.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/fulham-u18s-held-by-palace/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fulham-u18s-held-by-palace


WhiteJC

Fulham U23s see off Palace

Goals from Jean-Pierre Tiehi and Ollie O'Neill secured a comfortable win from Fulham's under 23s over Crystal Palace at Bisham Abbey last night.

The Whites got off to a flying start when Tiehi, who has been in fine form so far this summer, notched another goal by spinning another from his marker and swept home from close range. Teenage striker Jay Stansfield almost made it two right on the stroke of half-time after cutting in dangerously from the right flank but his rising finish clipped the top of the crossbar.

Tiehi was denied a second twice in quick succession after the break. He had a snapshot bravely blocked as he turned inside his man once again before Jay Rich-Baghuelou thwarted another Fulham break moments later. O'Neill took matters into his own hands to add the crucial second – a peach of a strike from fully 25 yards after being teed up following a cheeky nutmeg from Stansfield – that showcased his outstanding technical ability. Palace rallied but couldn't find a response, with a trialist drilling their best chance wide from the edge of the box, and Fulham came closest to grabbing a third when Stansfield flashed a volley from O'Neill's cross just wide of the target.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/fulham-u23s-see-off-palace/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fulham-u23s-see-off-palace

WhiteJC

Reports: Mystery club rivalling West Ham for Jovane Cabral, but it's not Tottenham

According to A Bola, Fulham and West Ham United face a battle with a mystery English club for Sporting winger Jovane Cabral.

However, Record add that the club in question is not Tottenham Hotspur despite murmurs that it could be Jose Mourinho in the mix.

They state that whilst Mourinho is aware of Cabral's talent, Spurs simply have other priorities as things stand.

Spurs have Son Heung-min, Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela and Ryan Sessegnon who can play out wide, whilst Jack Clarke is back at the club too.

Spending on a winger in Cabral just doesn't seem like a priority right now, and that leaves Fulham and West Ham to wonder who else is in the mix.

Cabral will allegedly cost around €20million (£18million), and it remains to be seen whether any clubs can come up with that cash.

The 22-year-old wide man notched six goals and three assists in 16 league games last season, playing predominantly on the left flank for Sporting.

That's a hugely impressive record in limited playing time, but injuries were a factor, and much could depend on the future of Grady Diangana – the winger who could leave West Ham this summer, with Fulham keen according to the Daily Mail.

If he heads to West Bromwich Albion, both West Ham and Fulham may ramp up their interest in Cabral, but they will have to be wary of that mystery club.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/02/reports-mystery-club-rivalling-west-ham-for-jovane-cabral-but-its-not-tottenham/

WhiteJC

PLAYER DEPARTURES

The Club can confirm that the following players have left Fulham following the expiry of their contracts:

Jordan Archer
Zico Asare
Tristan Cover
Magnus Norman
Nicolas Santos Clase
Toni Stahl
Cameron Thompson
Ben Tricker

Luca de la Torre and Matt O'Riley have also left after rejecting new contract offers from the Club, while Harry Arter and Terence Kongolo have returned to their parent clubs following their loan spells.

We would like to thank each of these players for their efforts during their time at the Club, and we wish them the best of luck in their future careers.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/september/Player-Departures/


WhiteJC

Fulham enter race to sign former Chelsea man Traore

Fulham have joined Crystal Palace and others in a race to sign Bertrand Traore from Lyon.

West London Sport reports that Fulham are interested in the former Chelsea forward, who was sold to Lyon for £8.8m in 2017

He has two years left on his contract at the French side and has attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, Leicester and Everton.

Fulham have already bolstered their midfield in preparation for their return to the Premier League with two signings from Southampton.

Mario Lemina arrived at Craven Cottage on a season-long loan, and Harrison Reed signed permanently for £8m after impressing on loan last season.

That is expected to lead to the departures of Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald, whose first-team prospects look slim following the new signings.

Boss Scott Parker is also keen to boost his attacking options and Traore appears to be on his radar ahead of the new season.

Traore made 10 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, after joining in the 2013/14 season, and found the net twice for the Blues.

Lyon bought the Burkina Faso international in the summer of 2017 after he had impressed during loan spells at Vitesse Arnhem and Ajax.



https://londonfootballnews.co.uk/fulham/football-wls-fulham-competing-with-crystal-palace-newcastle-and-everton-in-bid-to-sign-former-chelsea-man/

WhiteJC

Aston Villa are set to sign Nottingham Forest star Matty Cash after agreeing £16m fee as Dean Smith's side win the race for the right-back amid interest from Fulham and Sheffield United

    Aston Villa have agreed a £16m fee with Nottingham Forest to sign Matty Cash
    The right-back has been interesting a host of Premier League sides this summer
    Forest rejected a host of Villa bids but there has been a breakthrough in talks

Aston Villa have agreed a £16m deal with Nottingham Forest for right-back Matty Cash.

Villa have made a breakthrough in their attempts to land Cash after seeing a number of previous bids rejected.

A Villa offer made up of an initial £14m fee with a further £2m in add-ons has now been accepted by Nottingham Forest.

The 23 year-old has been the subject of significant Premier League interest with Sheffield United, Fulham and Southampton all among his admirers but Cash is now a step closer to becoming Villa's first major summer signing.

Cash emerged from Forest's academy and made his first team debut in August 2016 following a loan spell at Dagenham & Redbridge the previous season.

He has made 141 appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8690027/Aston-Villa-set-sign-Nottingham-Forest-star-Matty-Cash-agreeing-16m-fee.html

WhiteJC

Predicted! FourFourTwo's 2020/21 Premier League table
Putting together what the Premier League table will look like come May has been a lot harder than usual. Still, we've had our annual crack at the standings

How will the Premier League table look in eight months' time? Following on from the most unpredictable season in living memory – which only finished just over a month ago – and with six weeks left of the transfer window, this has been one of the most difficult Season Preview issues FourFourTwo has ever had to put together.

With the magazine now out in shops and online – and readers champing at the bit to tell us how wrong we are about everything – we thought we'd stick out necks out even more and share our predicted table for the season ahead.

As always, send your abuse to @FourFourTwo on Twitter...

20. West Brom

Organised and disciplined under Slaven Bilic, West Brom have removed a large burden on the wage bill with several senior players departing this summer, including stalwart Chris Brunt.

So far only Matheus Pereira, the Brazilian winger whose stardust while on-loan inspired their promotion campaign last season, has been brought in. That was crucial, but they'll need more if they're to beat the drop.

19. Fulham

The west Londoners surprised a few by defeating Brentford in the Championship Play-off Final in July, bouncing straight back to the Premier League after a year's absence.

Scott Parker's side remain suspect defensively - an experienced centre-back to partner the excellent Michael Hector is a must this summer - but are an exciting, ball-playing side and should score plenty of goals, especially with Aleksandar Mitrovic leading the line.

The arrivals of left-back Antonee Robinson, from Wigan, and Mario Lemina, from Southampton, have been well-received by fans, but it's the permanent signing of Harrison Reed that has raised the roof in SW6. The tenacious midfielder was sensational last season and will need to be on top form if Fulham are to have any chance of staying up.

18. Aston Villa

Dean Smith's side showed their fighting spirit at the end of last season, surviving by the skin of their teeth thanks to the heroics of talismanic midfielder Jack Grealish in the final weeks.

The newly-called up England international needs far more help from his supporting cast this season, with no Villa player scoring more than his eight Premier League goals last campaign.

A proven goalscorer and a goalkeeper are musts this transfer window. Brazilian striker Wesley failed to live up to his billing last term, though he was hampered by injuries, while first choice keeper Tom Heaton is still recovering from a long-term knee injury.

17. Newcastle United

The Magpies will narrowly beat the drop, according to our writers. Steve Bruce's side surprised many last time out by avoiding a relegation dog-fight, but can they do it again?

After a Saudi-backed bid to buy the club from Mike Ashley failed earlier in the summer, fans are fearing another long, hard season. Bruce has shown he's capable of working with a small budget, however, and the free transfer of Jeff Hendrick, coupled with Matty Longstaff singing a new deal to stay at the club, both represent smart business.

Buying a proven goalscorer is a must, though, with £40m man Joelinton not comfortable leading the line alone, as his four-goal haul last season showed.

16. Crystal Palace

Under Roy Hodgson's experienced management, Crystal Palace should be safe from the drop, but not without the occasional scare along the way.

Much will depend on the future of key man Wilfred Zaha. The forward remains Palace's best weapon, but has made clear his intention of moving to a club competing in Europe.

The signing of Ebere Eze from QPR is a possible hint that life exists beyond Zaha. Eze is a similar player, with speed, quick feet and an eye for goal. It would be a tantalising prospect for fans if the two players are teaming up this season.

15. West Ham

West Ham remain a conundrum. On the one hand, it's a club with the infrastructure, passionate fanbase and financial clout to compete for European places. On the other hand, they rarely look like living up to any sort of potential.

Manager David Moyes is a safe, if uninspiring, pair of hands and the squad is a mixture of overpaid filler and genuine top-class talent. In Declan Rice, Michail Antonio, Manuel Lanzini and Aaron Cresswell, West Ham have several exciting players, and the arrival of Tomas Soucek from Slavia Prague should make them more competitive in midfield. The defence still desperately needs reinforcement, however, with West Ham boasting the fifth leakiest defence in the league last season.

14. Brighton & Hove Albion

Graham Potter passed the litmus test last season, keeping Brighton in the Premier League in his first full season. The Seagulls remain a work in project, however, with Potter keen to impose a more expansive, pressing game on the side while not wanting to lose the robustness.

In winger Leandro Trossard and striker Neal Maupay, Brighton have forwards which can be a handful for any defence on its day, while the arrival of Adam Lallana should give the midfield some added thrust and Premier League experience.

The loss of Aaron Mooy, who departed for China in August, is a blow, and Potter will be keen to sign another goalscoring midfielder and at least one creator to take the reigns from Pascal Gross, who is not the player he was a few years ago. 

13. Burnley

With Sean Dyche in charge, you get the feeling Burnley could remain in the Premier League until the end of time. The Clarets remain as disciplined, committed and single-minded as ever. It's rarely pretty but it works and Burnley fans are largely content with the way things are.

Reinforcements will be needed to maintain competition for places, especially after Jeff Hendrick departed to join Newcastle. Burnley are yet to make a proper first-team signing and may find themselves in trouble unless this season unless that changes. Keeping hold of exciting young winger Dwight McNeil is another priority this window.

12. Leeds United

Arguably the most intriguing prospect in the Premier League this season. Leeds United are back after a 16 year hiatus from the top flight, with an exciting, hardworking squad and a genuine enigma in the dugout.

Marcelo Bielsa demands hard work, tactical flexibility and commitment from his young team, and takes in matches while perched on an upside down bucket. Spanish international striker Rodrigo has been recruited for £30m from Valencia to add goals, with Leeds are hoping to add a new central defender before the season begins.

11. Sheffield United

The surprise package of last season, Sheffield United came close to European qualification in their first season back in the top-flight and our writers feel they are in for another solid showing this campaign.

Chris Wilder moved quickly to replace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who excelled on loan from Manchester United over the past two seasons, with the promising Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth already this summer. Savvy, no-nonsense business, but what else do you expect? A new right-back remains a key objective, with Nottingham Forest's Matty Cash rumoured to be top of the list. 

10. Everton

Quite what the Toffees are capable of achieving this season is anybody's guess, so it's unsurprising our writers have stuck them slap bang in the middle.

Carlo Ancelotti remains one of the world's finest coaches and with the addition of James Rodriguez, the Italian will be reunited with one of his star performers from his tenure at Real Madrid. The three-time Champions League-winning boss can't be written off.

Another target has been Wilfred Zaha, with the left wing a problem area. Champions League football, a relegation scare or mid-table obscurity? We can't wait to find out.

9. Leicester City

The fact a 5th-placed finish last time out was deemed a disappointment speaks volumes about how far Leicester have come under Rodgers. Our writers fear the added burden of Europa League fixtures will take their toll on a talented but shallow squad.

The loss of Ben Chilwell to Chelsea - a fair deal for all involved - will need to be balanced out as soon as possible. Much will depend, as always, on the goalscoring exploits of Jamie Vardy. The striker is still banging them in well into his mid-30s; few football fans don't have a soft-spot for the former England man.

8. Southampton

What's this? A team who were battered 9-0 by Leicester City in a match last season sit one spot higher in our writers' predicted standings?

It's no mathematical error; despite having a glass jaw, Ralph Hasenhuttl's Southampton are well-balanced, hardworking unit and full credit to the Austrian for getting this team playing his way after just a season and a half in charge.

Hasenhuttl has cleared out a number of ageing players and those he deems surplus, freeing up wages for new signings. Top centre-back target Mohammed Salisu has joined from Real Villadolid and Kyle Walker-Peters from Spurs, adding pace and experience to defence.

7. Wolves

Wolves finished 7th last season – and we expect them to do the same again this year. Nuno Espirito Santo boasts a talented squad that many believed would be picked apart this summer. Adame Traore, Raul Jimenez and Ruben Neves have all been linked with moves though no bids have been received yet.

The loss of Matt Doherty to Spurs, for a relatively cheap £14.7m, is a blow. The Irishman had developed cult status among Wolves fans and Fantasy Footballers in recent seasons. A replacement is a priority this summer.

6. Tottenham Hotspur

Jose Mourinho has got business done just the way he likes it this summer - quick and dirty. Matt Doherty has been brought in from Wolves to add pace and attacking quality at right-back, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's arrival from Southampton has given the manager an intelligent, tough-tackling option at the base of midfield. Joe Hart, meanwhile, has been signed for his winning mentality as much as anything.

The loss of Jan Vertonghen to Benfica means an additional centre-back couldn't hurt, though it's unlikely too much further business will take place at Tottenham between now and the start of the season.

5. Arsenal

Mikel Arteta is looking increasingly like the Messiah with each passing game. The Spaniard appears to have convinced star man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to see out his top-level playing days in north London, and has delivered surprising victories in the FA Cup and subsequent Community Shield.

Central defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have joined, while Dani Ceballos has rejoined on loan to compliment a squad rich with young, eager to impress talent. Willian adds experience and thrust from the wings, even if he is a little old. Creative midfielder Houssem Aouar remains a top target. The Gunners could be in for their best season since Wenger left.

4. Chelsea

If last season was all about blooding youngsters and allowing Frank Lampard some time to find his feet in top flight management, that period is now over. The expensive signings of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, two of the Bundesliga's brightest stars, along with the magical Hakim Ziyech from Ajax, should make Chelsea an attacking threat against any opposition.

It is hoped, even at the ripe old age of 34, Thiago Silva can help to shore up a leaky defence. A season to make or break Lampard's managerial career. The pressure is on.

3. Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's enthusiasm and loyalty to the Ferguson blueprint appears to be finally paying off, and we predict a good showing this season. The Norwegian is an emphatic believer in youth and his careful management of Mason Greenwood has been admirable, while the midfield looks the best it has in over a decade following the recruitment of penalty king Bruno Fernandes.

Donny van de Beek's arrival from Ajax gives United even more top level midfield quality to select from, while a left-back and a winger - ideally Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund - remain high on the shopping list.

2. Liverpool

Last season's champions appear a little frugal compared to their rivals this summer. Jurgen Klopp is largely happy with his squad and the addition of one more midfielder - Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich is the top target - would probably be enough to ensure another title ding dong with City.

The departures of squad players Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne freed-up more than £300,000 per week in wages, according to reports; a much-needed clear out.

Left-back Konstantinos Tsimikas, signed from Olympiacos remains the only arrival at Liverpool so far.

But even for a team as dominant as Liverpool were last season can't stand still, and we think they'll find defending their title a difficult proposition. Having looked impermeable for so long, late season form revealed that this side was still human. Can they really keep it up?

1. Manchester City

Pep Guardiola isn't taking last season's Premier League disappointment lying down. It is hoped Nathan Ake's early £40m arrival from Bournemouth will shore up a defence overly reliant on America Laporte.

Former Valencia winger Ferran Torres, meanwhile, has been brought in to replace Leroy Sané, who departed for Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

The real elephant in the room ahead of a new Premier League season is, of course, Lionel Messi. If the Argentine genius gets his wish, and is allowed to team up at City with his former coach, there may be no hope for any of City's rivals. Just imagine Messi and Kevin De Bruyne combining around the opposition area.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/predicted-premier-league-table-2020-2021-liverpool-man-city-man-utd-chelsea-arsenal-spurs


WhiteJC

Fulham's Sessegnon set for Bristol City loan move

Steven Sessegnon looks set to join Bristol City on loan from Fulham.

Several Championship clubs have expressed an interest in the 20-year-old, who is being allowed to leave Craven Cottage for the coming season in order for him to play first-team football.

Sessegnon made 15 appearances for Fulham last term and has had 18 outings in total for the Whites.

Meanwhile, Luca de la Torre and Matt O'Riley have left the club after rejecting new contracts.

And Fulham have released keeper Jordan Archer as well as Zico Asare, Tristan Cover, Magnus Norman, Nicolas Santos Clase, Toni Stahl, Cameron Thompson and Ben Tricker.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/whites-youngster-set-for-bristol-city-loan-move

WhiteJC

Report: Fulham planning to hijack PL rivals' £20m deal, Aston Villa keen too

Aston Villa and Brighton are still keen on Grady Diangana while Fulham could look to hijack West Bromwich Albion's reported £20 million deal, according to The Mail.

It's not over 'til the fat lady sings, as the old adage goes. And, while she appears to be warming up her vocal chords and practising her scales, West Brom can't assume a deal for the England U21 international is done and dusted yet.

The Baggies are hurtling towards the end zone, however. They have had a bid accepted that would make Diangana the most expensive signing in the club's history, overtaking the likes of Oliver Burke and Nacer Chadli.

West Brom are expected to pay about £20 million and Diangana, who was nothing short of exhilarating during a loan spell at the Hawthorns last season, will now discuss personal terms ahead of what would be a big-money permanent transfer.

Fulham haven't given up hope on hijacking the deal just yet, however.

The Cottagers reinforced their midfield with the arrival of Harrison Reed and Mario Lemina over the weekend and, according to The Mail, Scott Parker now has his heart set on Diangana.

West Brom will look to dot the i's and cross the t's as soon as possible, then, with Fulham planning to hijack a deal that has yet to be sealed.

Aston Villa and Brighton are interested too, although the Villains and Seagulls appear to be prioritising new number nines rather than a winger.

Diangana, of course, enjoys an excellent relationship with West Brom boss Slaven Bilic and this alone gives the Baggies a major head start in the race to secure Diangana's sought-after signature.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/02/report-fulham-planning-to-hijack-pl-rivals-20m-deal-aston-villa-keen-too/

WhiteJC

Fulham and West Ham still interested in winger – Club demanding €20m for transfer

Fulham and West Ham continue to be pointed out as possible destinations for Sporting winger Jovane Cabral.

Newspaper A Bola today has a story in which they highlight Tottenham Hotspur interest in the 21-year-old, which is something new for them.

They make it clear that Spurs aren't the only club trying to take the player to the Premier League, given the Whites and the Hammers have been chasing him since last season.

It's said that Sporting are still to receive any official bids from the English sides, and their interest was only shown through informal contacts.

Even though the Lions would like to keep Jovane in their squad, they've set a price for his departure. That's €20m, and they'd like to keep a percentage of a future sale.

Not long ago, it was claimed by other Portuguese outlets that Fulham had a €10m rejected by the Lisbon side. Now with big competition for the winger, it seems Sporting's demands will only grow.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-west-ham-still-interested-winger-club-demanding-e20m-transfer/


WhiteJC

Bristol City nearing Sessegnon loan

Fulham full back Steven Sessegnon is poised to join Bristol City on a season-long loan, according to reports this afternoon.

The newly-promoted Premier League club are keen for their promising right back to gain further first-team experience after breaking through into the senior side last season. The 20 year-old, who was handed his league debut by Scott Parker in a 2-1 win at Huddersfield last August, made fifteen appearances for the club last season, but was largely used as a substitute in the closing months of the campaign.

Several Championship sides were keen to take Sessegnon on loan, but it appears that Bristol City have won the race to sign the England youth international. Fulham are targeting bringing in a new right back ahead of their return to the top flight and Sessegnon, who won the World Cup with England's under 17 side in 2017, would not be assured of regular football at Craven Cottage.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/bristol-city-nearing-sessegnon-loan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bristol-city-nearing-sessegnon-loan

WhiteJC

Fulham 'considering signing Bertrand Traore as Lyon look to sell former Chelsea winger who has two years left on his contract'

    Fulham are considering signing Lyon winger Bertrand Traore in this window
    Lyon are prepared to sell the former Chelsea player, whose deal runs until 2022
    Fulham manager Scott Parker is busy strengthening his squad after promotion

Fulham are considering signing Lyon winger Bertrand Traore in this transfer window.

Traore has just under two years remaining on his contract at Lyon and the French club are prepared to sell him, as reported by Sky Sports.

If Fulham do pursue a move for the 24-year-old they are likely to face a considerable amount of competition, with Leicester, Everton, Newcastle and Crystal Palace also interested in signing him.


Fulham are considering signing Bertrand Traore in this window, with Lyon looking to sell him

Since joining Lyon three years ago, Traore has made 126 appearances, during which he has scored 33 goals and provided 17 assists.

Traore was previously at Chelsea and played 16 times for the Blues, while he also took in loan spells at Vitesse and Ajax.

Fulham manager Scott Parker has been busy as he looks to improve his squad following the club's promotion to the Premier League.


Fulham manager Scott Parker is busy strengthening his squad ahead of the new campaign

Anthony Knockaert and Harrison Reed have had signed permanently after loan spells, while Antonee Robinson has also joined and Mario Lemina has signed on loan from Southampton.

Fulham get their Premier League campaign underway on September 12 when they host Arsenal.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8690413/Fulham-considering-signing-Bertrand-Traore-Lyon-look-sell-former-Chelsea-winger.html

WhiteJC

Fulham join four-club race to sign former Chelsea striker

Fulham are one of four clubs chasing Lyon attacker Bertrand Traore, according to reports.

Traore joined Chelsea in 2013 after coming through the ranks with French side Auxerre. The forward made his debut for the Blues in 2015/16, and he made 16 appearances in all competitions during that campaign.

Despite scoring four goals in five games early into 2016, he soon fell down the pecking order. He spent the entire 2016/17 season on loan at Ajax, before joining Lyon on a permanent deal at the end of that campaign.

In his three years with the French giants, Traore has made 125 appearances in all competitions and has scored 33 goals. His best season personally was his debut year in 2017/18, as he bagged 18 goals, with 13 coming in Ligue 1.

In 2019/20, the 24-year-old scored four and grabbed five assists as Lyon finished seventh in Ligue 1 and reached the Champions League semi-finals.

Now West London Sport are reporting that Fulham, along with Newcastle United, Leicester City and Everton are chasing Traore's signature.

Lyon signed the attacker for just £8.8 million from Chelsea in 2017. The Burkina Faso international still has two years remaining on his contract, so he will likely attract a fee upwards of £20 million this summer.

Fulham have already made four signings this summer. Anthony Knockaert and Harrison Reed have signed permanent deals from Brighton and Southampton respectively.

Knockaert and Reed both played key roles as Fulham returned to the Premier League via the play-off final.

They have also seen off competition from several Premier League rivals to capture Antonee Robinson from Fulham. Their fourth signing is Mario Lemina from Southampton, who joined on a season-long loan deal.



https://www.football365.com/news/fulham-hunt-to-sign-former-chelsea-forward


WhiteJC

Bristol City beat Swansea and Reading to win race for PL player

Bristol City have reportedly won the race for Fulham defender Steven Sessegnon, who has been linked with Blackburn Rovers, Swansea City, and Reading.

With Fulham preparing for life in the Premier League and signing Wigan right-back Antonee Robinson this summer, Sessegnon looks to have fallen down the pecking order at Craven Cottage.

It appears City are going to be the club that benefit as, according to Sky Sports Transfer Centre (02/09, 15:32), the Ashton Gate outfit have won the race for the 20-year-old.

It is understood that the Robins will sign the defender on a season-long loan deal from Fulham, who are keen to balance their books.

The move would signify a great bit of business for City with Blackburn Rovers, Swansea and Reading also linked with the player earlier this summer.

Sessegnon would provide new head coach Dean Holden with some additional cover at right wing-back.

Holden has shown his preference for a 3-5-2 formation and appears to see Zak Vyner as more of a centre-back, leaving Jack Hunt the only real option in his squad.

The Verdict

This is a fantastic signing for the Robins.

It doesn't seem as though Pedro Pereira is going to return to join City after his loan last season, meaning the right side of defence is an area that they needed to bolster.

Sessegnon's arrival does just that. The 20-year-old was impressive during a short spell last term before losing his place in the side but should be a great addition, particularly as a wing-back.

You feel once he settles he'll be pushing Hunt hard for the starting spot.

It's a good move for Fulham as well. They relieve some financial stress and send their player somewhere that looks likely to be good for his development, particularly with former England youth coaches Paul Simpson and Keith Downing now at the club.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/bristol-city-beat-swansea-and-reading-to-win-race-for-pl-player/

WhiteJC

In Profile: Mario Lemina
Make no mistake about it, when the news finally broke of Mario Lemina's arrival at around 9pm on Sunday evening, the vast majority of our fan base knew we had a fairly effective midfielder on our hands but for those that don't know much about the Gabon international, we've got you covered.


Ralph Hasenhuttl ultimately saw the 27-year-old's future away from Southampton and, after spending last season on loan at Turkish Super Lig outfit Galatasaray SK, Fulham were more than happy to take him off the Austrian's hands on a season-long loan with an option to buy at a later date, of course.

Rising through the ranks at FC Lorient, Lemina rapidly made a name for himself and soon became an Olympique de Marseille representative in 2013. He's never been a gifted goal scorer, an architect in the final third, but his hard-hitting, dynamic disposition in the centre of the park eventually earned him a move to Juventus from the Orange Velodrome two years later and it's there, in Turin, where he manufactured a higher level to his burgeoning game.

Joining the Bianconeri initially on loan for the 2015/16 campaign, Lemina's temporary stint became permanent a year later but it was short lived. In August 2017, he was rendered surplus to requirement at the Allianz Stadium and that's when the Saints came knocking. Swapping a midfield of Miralem Pjanic and Claudio Marchisio for James Ward-Prowse and Steven Davis, the robust anchorman's introduction to Premier League football was enlightening as well as turbulent, to some degree.

Over the course of two seasons on the south coast, Lemina made 52 appearances, scoring two and assisting two. For a defensive midfielder, this may not seem like an inefficient record but Lemina's deceptive qualities on the ball suggests he could add more firepower and creation to his repertoire. In 190 first-team games spanning over his career to date, he's only netted 8 goals and, by all accounts, that's one of the main reasons why the Saints decided to show him the back door at St. Mary's.

Needless to say, some of the goals he's scored are absolute, rip-roaring bangers but in truth, we really shouldn't be looking for that in him, not regularly, anyway. When he turns up, alive to the occasion, he's a forceful athlete that fits the Champions League-gracing contender he once was, we just haven't seen it for a while. Last season at Cimbom, he simply couldn't acclimatise to the nomadic narrative of Turkish top-flight but the Premier League is a very different strategic environment indeed.

Lemina is capable of morphing his direct opponent into stone with fleet footed escape sequences and his sharp turn of pace makes him an exceedingly troublesome character to shake off but, amid his energetic attributes, his touch-and-go temperament is slightly perturbing. Stories of disinterest, slouched shoulders, they featured intermittently whilst he was on Southampton's books but every player possesses an arrogance in some shape or form and, if we can channel his enthusiasm correctly, he'll thrive in our ballsy engine room.

He brings grit, an almost unpolished majesty to our midfield department and, though he's not a leading marksman, he can act as a vigorous makeweight between attack and defence, an interlinking mediator between Harrison Reed and Tom Cairney and above all, he'll be a nuisance to his opposite numbers. For me, in terms of a starting spot, it's a toss up between our African newcomer and Joshua Onomah, although I quite like the idea of upsetting the apple cart if it gets the best out of every available member at every given opportunity. An hour before kick-off, 11:45am on a Wednesday at Motspur Park, Lemina will push his teammates and ask constructive questions of their credentials.

Bolstering the standard? Possibly. Instilling a well-rounded competitive edge? Indefinitely. What we have in Lemina is a resourceful component with the potential for more. More goals, more assists, more panache and trickery, he can restore his reputation on English soil if he's willing to adapt to Scott Parker's system and, critically, if he's genuinely ready to fight tooth and nail for survival and supremacy both against our opponents and, in the friendliest of terms, his new teammates.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-09-02-in-profile-mario-lemina/

WhiteJC

'Better than Knockaert': Fulham fans react to reported interest in Ligue 1 player

Fulham have been active in this summer's transfer window. Scott Parker's side are gearing up for a difficult season in the Premier League and their signings so far have been impressive.

Anthony Knockaert and Harrison Reed have made their loan moves permanent, while Antonee Robinson and Mario Lemina have also joined the club; the former on a permanent deal and the latter on a season-long loan.

If reports are to be believed, Fulham are not stopping there. The Lilywhites are looking to bring in a few more players and latest reports have claimed they are looking at a former Chelsea player.

West London Sport claim that Fulham are interested in Lyon's Bertrand Traore. The Burkina Faso international was once expected to be the future of Chelsea but his stock has gone down massively over the years.

Traore scored four goals and provided five assists in 35 games in all competitions last season. He is yet to feature for Lyon this term and, with just two years left on his contract, he will likely be allowed to leave for the right price.

Fulham spent a lot of money the last time they were in the Premier League. That didn't quite work out for them then and they can't afford to make the same mistake now.

Would Traore be a good signing for Fulham?
The Cottagers have to get their transfer strategy right and, as important as a versatile attacker is, Traore really would be a big risk for them this season.

The former Chelsea man has scored more than 10 league goals in a season only once in his career. He is extremely one footed and, as exciting as his pace and trickery can be, his end product is a real worry, especially for a team who will likely be fighting for their lives.

The only positive in a potential deal for Traore is that he is still only 24.

If Parker really believes he can get the best out of the winger, he could take a punt on him this summer, and some Fulham supporters feel that he would be an upgrade to what they currently have.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/02/better-than-knockaert-fulham-fans-react-to-reported-interest-in-ligue-1-player/


WhiteJC

Parker signs new Fulham contract

Fulham manager Scott Parker has signed a new three-year contract, the club have confirmed this evening.

Parker, who spent three years as a player at Craven Cottage before retiring in 2016, guided the Whites back to the Premier League at the first time of asking at the end of his first full season in management. The Londoners were keen to extend his initial short-term deal after the play-off final victory over Brentford – and the brief negotiations were concluded after the 39 year-old returned from a family holiday earlier this month.

The Fulham head coach told the club's official website:

I'm delighted to have signed a new deal which shows mutual faith and commitment, on both my side and the club's. I'm pleased with the hard work we have all carried out behind the scenes which resulted in achieving our objective of promotion to the Premier League last month. This has been a huge effort involving many people, and has continued in our preparations for the new season.

Signing a new deal provides stability and an opportunity to keep on developing the team. There is still a lot of hard work ahead of us, and we'll always be striving to improve and progress every day.

Fulham chairman Shahid Khan added:

"We believed in Scott Parker when we signed him as a player in 2013, and we believed in him as our caretaker manager at the end of our most recent season in the Premier League. Our belief and confidence in Scott is stronger than ever today and is evident in this new three-year contract, which is fully deserved, and I'm thoroughly honoured to offer as we return next week to top-flight football."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/parker-signs-new-fulham-contract/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=parker-signs-new-fulham-contract

WhiteJC

Manager Scott Parker signs new three-year contract with Fulham
Parker led Fulham out of the Sky Bet Championship at the first attempt via the play-offs.

Fulham have rewarded manager Scott Parker with a new three-year deal following promotion back to the Premier League.

The 39-year-old former England international was named caretaker boss following the sacking of Claudio Ranieri in February 2019 and given the job on a permanent basis despite the west London club's relegation.

Parker led Fulham out of the Sky Bet Championship at the first attempt via the play-offs and has now been given a new deal until 2023.

"I'm delighted to have signed a new deal which shows mutual faith and commitment, on both my side and the club's," Parker said.

"I'm pleased with the hard work we have all carried out behind the scenes which resulted in achieving our objective of promotion to the Premier League last month.

"This has been a huge effort involving many people, and has continued in our preparations for the new season.

"Signing a new deal provides stability and an opportunity to keep on developing the team. There is still a lot of hard work ahead of us, and we'll always be striving to improve and progress every day."

Parker made 128 appearance for Fulham and was club captain by the time he retired in 2017, with the former midfielder returning to the club as a coach the following summer.

Fulham owner Shahid Khan said: "We believed in Scott Parker when we signed him as a player in 2013, and we believed in him as our caretaker manager at the end of our most recent season in the Premier League.

"Our belief and confidence in Scott is stronger than ever today and is evident in this new three-year contract, which is fully deserved, and I'm thoroughly honoured to offer as we return next week to top-flight football."

Parker's deal is a further boost to the Craven Cottage club's Premier League preparations.

Anthony Knockaert and Harrison Reed have signed permanent deals with the club after impressing on loan, while Antonee Robinson and Mario Lemina have also arrived at the club.

Fulham are in the hunt for more signings, with Parker understood to be more engaged in the recruitment process overseen by sporting director Tony Khan than previous coaches.

Khan manages the Whites' transfer business and is working remotely in the United States due to coronavirus travel restrictions, but the director of football and manager are understood to be in regular contact over conference calls.



https://www.bt.com/sport/news/2020/september/manager-scott-parker-signs-new-three-year-contract-with-fulham