Saturday Fulham Stuff - 05/09/20...

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Fulham have approach for Traore rejected

Fulham have had an approach for Bertrand Traore rejected by Lyon.

West London Sport recently revealed that Fulham are interested in the 24-year-old former Chelsea forward.

He is among a number of attacking players the Whites have identified as a possible acquisition following the club's return to the Premier League.

They were keen on Ebere Eze, who recently joined Crystal Palace from QPR.

The Whites have also shown an interest in Brentford striker Ollie Watkins but face competition from several other clubs.

Burkina Faso international Traore is also on the radar. He has two years remaining on his Lyon contract.

Traore made 10 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, scoring two goals, before being sold to Lyon for £8.8m in the summer of 2017.

Fulham indicated that they were ready to pay around that amount in order to take him back to west London.

Lyon made it clear they want in excess of £20m for any deal to happen.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-have-approach-for-former-chelsea-man-rejected

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Parker 'relishing' Premier League challenge

Scott Parker says he's 'relishing the challenge' of managing Fulham in the Premier League after agreeing a new contract with the club this week.

The 39 year-old signed a new three-year deal at Craven Cottage on Wednesday after guiding the Whites back to the top flight at the first attempt. He told Fulham FC TV this morning of his happiness at concluding the contract discussions and having the security to build on his early successes in the job:

"I'm delighted that we've come to an agreement. I always spoke last year about long-term success and how you want to build things. Someone who sits in my position you always want to have that security and have an understanding of where we need to go as a football club and probably for the bigger picture of everyone else understanding that as well. I see it only as a good thing. I'm absolutely delighted. It's been a fantastic eighteen months since I've been in charge. The team, the players, my staff, everyone's been truly fantastic really. We are now ready for the next big challenge which we all face."

He revealed that he was very quickly back focusing on the job at hand after the euphoria of beating Brentford at Wembley in the play-off final and believes that some of the difficulties Fulham faced during a topsy-turvy Championship season could actually help as they prepare to deal with the step up to a higher level.

Around the next day you start coming down a little bit. When you're in the season, you're in it, you're engrossed in it. Not just me – my staff, the players, included in that – and the way last season went, in terms of lockdown and all the different things, there were obviously a lot of stresses and the team had to show some real resolve and real character. I see a journey of a group of players from when we set out at the start of the season, we had a bit of bumps along the way, and I've seen a team grow with big character and grow in people as well. After the final, you go away, you spend some time with the family, you reminiscence, we're still doing it now, sitting around tables and discussing certain moments of the season. It will be something that lives long in the memory.

Parker believes that his players have dealt well with the quick turnaround to a new campaign, praising his side for how they have thrown themselves into a truncated pre-season with real gusto:

It's been difficult because of the turnaround. We went on a lot longer than any of the other teams in the Premier League. Obviously, getting the players back in, giving them the rest period and trying to balance that has been really, really fine margins because after a long season, I think mentally you want to give the players some respite from football and you know what you are going into this year. We needed to balance that. We've coped very well so far. Again, the boys have been spot on. I feel like they've come back refreshed, looking forward to the next challenge that we face, which is the Premier League – arguably the best league in the world, where everyone wants to be and that will be the extra drive and the motivation. We've worked as hard as we worked last year to get to where we want to be, we can't let that slide away and we won't let that happen.

The head coach also shared his excitement about being able to work with several new signings, who have all highlighted the importance of his own role in convincing them to sign for Fulham. Parker feels that the competition for places can only be beneficial and expects more new arrivals before the start of the season:

I am. We've brought those players in – they add experience, they add quality as well and they add competition, which at every high level environment, you need. Players need to feel the pressure, they need to feel that there's someone on their toes constantly and we see last year in the way that we managed the team, everyone's got a role to play. You work hard, you train well and you take your opportunity in the team. You create that vibe through competition. I'm looking forward to it, I'm sure there's going to be some more signings come in as well, and we're looking forward to the season.

He knows just how difficult an opening fixture Fulham have been given, facing Arsenal at Craven Cottage next weekend, but is relishing the opportunity of testing himself against another bright young manager in Mikel Arteta.

It's a nice test, a big test against a team under new management. Mikel's gone in and done very well. We know the quality, of course we do, we've seen that for many years – the personnel and quality in their team. We know that this year we're going to face some challenges, of course we are, but like I said earlier, they are challenges which we're relishing. At times, we need to sure a different side to us, a new face to us – but I do feel that last year and the work that's been done so far has put us in a good position to go and face these challenges which are going to be there, so we're looking forward to that.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/parker-relishing-premier-league-challenge/

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Mesut Ozil involved, youngster aims to impress - Five things spotted in Arsenal training

Arsenal's players have been working hard at their London Colney training base ahead of the start of the new Premier League season

The wait is almost over.

In just over a week's time, Arsenal will kick-off the 2020/21 Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Gunners will make the short trip across the capital aiming to make the perfect start to the new Premier League season and build on last weekend's FA Community Shield victory over Liverpool at Wembley. After seeing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's sumptuous opener cancelled out by Takumi Minamino, the Gunners got the job done on penalties, winning 5-4.

It was the perfect way to start the new season and continue the winning trend that was set at the end of last season.

But even though Mikel Arteta has successfully added another piece of silverware to the Gunners' trophy cabinet, full focus is now on next Saturday's clash with Fulham and ensuring they can hit the ground running at the start of another action packed Premier League season.

And with pre-season having been much shorter this time around, Arsenal's players having been putting the hard yards in on the training ground more than ever to ensure they are ready for the big kick-off.

On Thursday, Arsenal's players were working hard at their London Colney training base ahead of the tussle with Scott Parker's men and here are four things that football.london spotted from the session.

Ozil trains

Since football returned back in June, following the lockdown period, Mesut Ozil's Arsenal future has been a hot topic.

The former Real Madrid midfielder, who joined the Gunners back in 2013, has not played for the club since Saturday, March 7 - the final Premier League game before lockdown.

There has been plenty of speculation that the German could leave the club this summer, with his future at the club seemingly in doubt. However, Arteta has vowed to wipe the slate clean for everyone ahead of the new season, meaning Ozil could be handed the chance to resurrect his Gunners career.

And on Thursday, the midfielder was involved in first-team training, and certainly appeared to be enjoying himself. He was snapped donning a massive smile on his face, potentially suggesting that he could soon be back in Arteta's plans.

New coach sets to work

Arsenal chief Arteta bolstered his coaching staff last week with the addition of Andreas Georgson from Championship outfit Brentford.

Georgson arrived at the Emirates Stadium last week after being head of set-pieces and individual development at the Bees.

The Swedish coach only joined Brentford back in January and was quickly poached by Arsenal after the impact he had in West London.

After the success he brought to the table at the Bees, Arsenal will be hoping he can implement the similar qualities in North London.

Excellent spirits

After winning the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield in the last five weeks, Arsenal's players have every right to be feeling happy and confident.

After winning two pieces of silverware in the last few weeks, as well as defeating two of the Premier League's heavyweights in the process, Arsenal's players will fancy their chances of hitting the ground running at the start of the Premier League campaign.

After facing Fulham on the opening day, the Gunners' second game of the season sees them host West Ham United. It is the perfect opportunity for Arteta's troops to hit the ground running and claim six points out of six to start the season.

And judging by Alexandre Lacazette and Aubameyang's characteristics on Thursday, the Gunners are confident about the start of the season being right around the corner. Both players were captured grinning from ear to ear, suggesting that confidence and morale within the camp is high.

That will be a massive boost to both Arteta and the supporters, who will have high expectations that they can make a push for the top-four this season.

Martinez kept on his toes

After starring towards the back-end of last season and starting last Saturday's win over Liverpool, Elimiano Martinez will be determined to retain his place in the starting line-up for the trip to Fulham.

The Argentine won plenty of fans for his performances at the end of last term, following the season-ending injury Bernd Leno picked up in the defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion back in June. The former Sheffield Wednesday loanee earned plenty of plaudits for his showings and was a key part of the team that lifted the FA Cup.

There has been plenty of speculation about the shot-stopper's future, with several reports claiming that he could leave the Emirates Stadium if Leno is reinstalled as Arteta's No.1 between the sticks.

But Martinez appeared to be the main goalkeeper in action during Thursday's training session, with the 28-year-old keeping guard during a training match.

Youngster involved

Ever since Arteta landed the Arsenal job back in December last year, the Spaniard has been keen for young players at the club to get the opportunity to train with the first-team.

And that trend continued on Thursday as left-back Tolaji Bola was involved in first-team training.

The 22-year-old defender, who is yet to make his first-team debut for the Gunners, is highly rated by the Arsenal coaching staff and will no doubt be looking to try and secure himself a place in Arteta's plans moving forward.

With less turnaround time between fixtures this season due to the tight schedule, Bola will be aiming to get a chance to taste first-team football for the very first time.

With that in mind, it is key that he continues to impress during training when rubbing shoulders with some of the Gunners' household names.



https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/players/arsenal-training-ozil-news-aubameyang-18876706

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Report: Fulham make £8m bid for Leicester target; told to pay £22m instead

Leicester City and Brighton are keen to bring Bertrand Traore back to the Premier League, while Fulham have had an £8 million bid rejected for the Lyon forward, according to the Mirror (4 September, page 54).

If the Cottagers get their way, a man who started his career in West London will be returning to familiar surroundings before the transfer window slams shut in early October.

Newly-promoted Fulham are just one of a whole host of top-flight clubs interested in the former Chelsea youngster, although Scott Parker's side are the only side who have firmed up their interest enough to make a bid thus far.

Their £8 million offer had very little chance of succeeding, however. Lyon have made it clear that Traore is valued at £22 million.

That is a rather eye-watering sum for a forward who scored just four times in 35 games in all competitions last season, his worst tally since that breakthrough campaign at Stamford Bridge as far back as 2015/16.

Traore also found the net just once in 23 Ligue 1 matches as Lyon finished seventh, missing out on European football for the first time this century.

The Mirror adds that Leicester, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Brighton are also interested in the former Ajax and Vitesse Arnhem ace.

Fulham, meanwhile, appear to be no closer to reinforcing Parker's front line, with Grady Diangana heading to West Brom and a £9 million bid for Jovane Cabral batted away by Sporting Lisbon (A Bola).



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/04/report-fulham-make-8m-bid-for-leicester-target-told-to-pay-22m-instead/

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Fulham discussing loan deal for former Chelsea defender Aina

Ola Aina could return to west London to join Fulham.

The Whites are in talks with Torino to sign the full-back on a season-long loan.

Aina, 23, signed for the Italian club from Chelsea on a permanent deal last year after impressing during a season on loan.

A product of Chelsea's academy, London-born Nigeria international Aina made six first-team appearances for the Blues – four of them as a substitute. He also had a season on loan at Hull City.

Fulham are interested in another former Chelsea player, Bertrand Traore, but have had an approach for the forward rejected by Lyon, who want in excess of £20m for him.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/chelsea/fulham-discussing-loan-deal-for-former-chelsea-defender

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Exclusive: Top Leeds target opens talks over new contract at his club

Leeds United hopes of landing Joe Bryan are diminishing as he has opened talks with Fulham over a new contract, Football Insider can reveal.

The west Londoners are keen to keep hold of Bryan despite signing a new left-back in Antonee Robinson, who arrived last month from Wigan Athletic in a £2million deal.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Fulham are in negotiations with Bryan over a new and improved deal to prevent him leaving in this window.

He has two years remaining on his contract, which also includes the option in the Cottagers' favour of a further 12 months.

Leeds, West Brom, Newcastle United and Leicester City are among the top-flight clubs in the market for a proven left-back and they have all registered their interest in Bryan.

Leeds' need to strengthen the left side of their defence is especially acute.

Marcelo Bielsa does not have full faith in Barry Douglas and converted wingers Stuart Dallas and Ezgjan Alioski were the first choices for most of their Championship-winning campaign.

Bryan has been a "top target" for Leeds, the source added, although they have also looked at Rangers' Borna Barisic and Brentford's Rico Henry.

The Fulham star is in demand following a stellar 2019-20 campaign that ended with his play-off final heroics when he scored twice in extra-time to steer the club back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Fulham valued Bryan at around £5million earlier this summer after previously setting a £7m asking price for him.

The Englishman has been a mainstay at Fulham since signing in 2018 from Bristol City for around £6million.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-leeds-united-target-opens-talks-over-new-contract/

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Fulham discussing Aina loan deal

Fulham are in discussions with Torino over a potential loan move for defender Ola Aina, according to a report from Sky Sports.

The Nigerian right back, who came through Chelsea's youth academy and was part of the side that won back-to-back doubles at youth level as well as the U21 Premier League in 2014, joined the Italian side for around £9m last June after a successful loan spell. The 23 year-old has made 69 appearances in total for La Granata and was a regular as they battled successfully against the drop last season.

Aina, who made three first-team appearances for Chelsea under Antonio Conte, spent a season on loan with Hull City, making 46 appearances for the Tigers in their 2017/2018 campaign. He has won seventeen senior caps for Nigeria, narrowly missing out on their World Cup squad in 2018, but has featured regularly since that disappointment.

Fulham are known to be seeking reinforcements in the right back position ahead of the start of their Premier League campaign, with Steven Sessegnon set to follow Marlon Fossey in making a loan move to gain regular first-team football. Scott Parker is keen to add further competition for Denis Odoi and Cyrus Christie, both of whom struggled as Fulham conceded 81 goals on their way to an immediate return to the Championship when they were last in the top flight in 2019.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/fulham-discussing-aina-loan-deal/

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Club said to be closing in on Fulham player – Want deal before 12th September

Turkish newspaper Fanatik report Galatasaray want to complete the signing of Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen before the Super Lig season restarts on the 12th of September.

The Norwegian midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Galatasaray in recent days and it's claimed the Istanbul side will make a loan offer for him.

Fanatik claim a deal for Johansen seems close but Gala still have other targets in mind such as Josef de Souza and Bournemouth's Jefferson Lerma. A decision will be made in the coming days on which player they bring in.

However, it seems Johansen will be the midfielder to brought in and Mario Lemina's move to Fulham could pave the way for the Norway international to head to the Super Lig.

The 29 year old, who also had a spell at Scottish giants Celtic, made 33 appearances in the Championship with Fulham as they achieved promotion to the Premier League.

Johansen's contract at Craven Cottage will expire at the end of June 2022.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-said-closing-fulham-player-want-deal-12th-september/

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Fulham In Talks To Sign Serie A Defender

Fulham are engaged in talks with Italian Serie A club Torino over a season-long loan deal for right-back Ola Aina, according to Sky Sports (11:28).

The Cottagers are in the process of bolstering their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League next season.

Fulham have raided Southampton for Harrison Reed and Mario Lemina, who arrived on loan, so far and have also signed Antonee Robinson from Wigan Athletic.

Now Scott Parker's side have turned their attention towards strengthening the right-back spot and have identified Aina as a suitable candidate.

The London-based club are locked in talks with Serie A side Torino over a season-long loan deal for the 23-year-old.

Aina began his career in England, rising through the ranks at Chelsea's academy.

He then had a loan spell at Hull City before moving to Italy and joining Torino on loan, a switch which was made permanent last summer.

Aina made 32 Serie A appearances for Torino last season and provided two assists.



https://insidefutbol.com/2020/09/04/fulham-in-talks-to-sign-serie-a-defender/470804/

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Report – Attacker's Agent Contacts Newcastle After Rejected Bid From Fulham

Get French Football News are citing a claim from Foot Mercato that Lyon forward Bertrand Traore has been offered to Newcastle by his agent.

According to the report, the productive attacker was the subject of a low ball bid from Fulham, which has been rejected. Lyon are actively looking to sell the 24-year-old this summer but value Traore at around €25m.

That certainly prices him out of Newcastle's range this summer though he was reportedly attracting interest a few months ago.

Traore would have been an outstanding addition to this squad. He's versatile enough to play on either wing or up front and has averaged over 10 goals a season over the past six years.

Currently, it seems Newcastle have set their sights on free agent Ryan Fraser, who fits into their frugal summer plans.

Though, Newcastle are light in attacking options even if they sign the Scottish international and also are able to bring in Callum Wilson, with Matt Ritchie going the opposite direction.

Traore has just two years left on his contract so if there are no takers at Lyon's asking price, working out a loan deal with an option to buy could be a sound move.



https://www.nufcblog.com/2020/09/04/370795/

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Aston Villa 'front of the queue' to sign Callum Wilson

Following the capture of Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa are looking to make more additions to their squad ahead of the new season.

Bolstering the forward department is one of Dean Smith's top priorities this summer, and Villa have been linked with a host of strikers.

According to Matt Law of The Telegraph, Villa have made a £15m, plus £5m in add ons, offer for AFC Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson.

However, the bid was rejected immediately, with the Cherries demanding a fee in the region of £17m as a fixed fee.

He added that Villa are at the front of the queue for Wilson, but there could be strong competition from rival Premier League clubs, especially Newcastle United.

As per reports elsewhere, Aston Villa have made a £15m, plus £5m in add ons, offer for Callum Wilson. I'm told Bournemouth want a £17m fixed fee.

— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) September 4, 2020

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie also tweeted:

Bournemouth have turned down a bid totalling £20m (15 + 5) from Aston Villa for Newcastle target Callum Wilson. Newcastle remain interested in the striker #NUFC #AVFC

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) September 4, 2020

#avfc have seen an offer for Callum Wilson rejected by #bournemouth. Bid was £13-15m with significant add ons. The two clubs are still talking.

— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) September 4, 2020

It seems Villa are still in negotiations with the club, and they are more likely to broker a deal unless other rival clubs come up with tempting offers.

Newcastle are looking to structure a deal for Wilson involving Matt Ritchie who would be going in the other direction.

According to reports from Sky Sports, Fulham, West Ham and Tottenham remain interested in signing the 28-year-old striker who wants to stay in the Premier League.

Fulham have done some excellent business so far, and it remains to be seen whether they can make a late move to sign Wilson.

Wilson has scored 67 goals in 180 Bournemouth appearances since joining the club from Coventry in 2014.



https://sportslens.com/aston-villa-front-of-the-queue-to-sign-callum-wilson/311675/

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Report: Fulham miss out on £18m and £15m targets; Juventus man won't be joining either

Fulham are set to miss out on Burnley defender Ben Gibson and Juventus goalkeeper Mattia Perin while Grady Diangana closes in on a £20 million move to West Bromwich Albion, according to reports.

While Leeds United and the Baggies are making progress in the transfer market, the other newly-promoted side are hitting plenty of hurdles at the moment.

Mario Lemina and Antonee Robinson have arrived, while Harrison Reed and Anthony Knockaert turned their loan deals into permanent contracts.

But Fulham appear to be running into brick wall after brick wall as they look to strengthen Parker's squad further ahead of the Premier League kick off next week.

According to Pink 'Un, £15 million Burnley man Gibson is set to join Norwich City on loan with an option to buy.

Fulham were keen too but, after playing just 63 minutes of football in two years at Turf Moor, the former Middlesbrough captain is willing to drop down a division to obtain the regular action he is crying out for.

The Standard, meanwhile, reports that Fulham could not match the £18 million bid on the table from West Brom for Diangana, with the West Ham starlet heading back to The Hawthorns on a full-time basis.

Fulham had been linked with Italian shot-stopper Perin too, via Gazzetta dello Sport, in August. But the Juventus ace is on the verge of completing a move to Serie A rivals Genoa instead (Il SecoloXIX).

With further claims suggesting that recent bids for Jovane Cabral and Bertrand Traore have been rejected, the Cottagers are discovering that Premier League promotion does not make the transfer market a walk in the park.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/04/report-fulham-miss-out-on-18m-and-15m-targets-juventus-man-wont-be-joining-either/

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Young Striker Joins The U's

Martell Taylor-Crossdale joins on season-long loan from Fulham

The U's are delighted to officially announce the season long loan signing of young striker Martell Taylor-Crossdale from Premier League side Fulham.

Twenty-year-old Martell joined the squad at Florence Park on Friday to put pen to paper but won't be eligible to play until Tuesday's game at Portsmouth.

Taylor-Crossdale spent the majority of his youth career at Chelsea before making the switch to Craven Cottage in the summer of 2019.

Playing as a striker, Taylor-Crossdale has already achieved a lot in the game, having been crowned an U18 Premier League winner twice, FA Youth Cup winner twice, and also a UEFA Youth league winner while playing for Chelsea.

He maintained a good scoring record while playing for Chelsea and Fulham's youth teams, finding the net an impressive twenty-nine times in thirty seven games in the U18's Premier League, and eleven times in thirty-six games in Premier League Two.

Martell has also represented his country at youth level, having played for the England youth setup from ages sixteen to twenty, scoring at every level.

The deal will see the young striker stay with the U's for the 20/21 season, subject to the usual ratification from the relevent authorities.



https://www.cu-fc.com/news/2020/september/taylor-crossdale-signs/

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Colchester United sign Taylor-Crossdale on loan

Colchester United have signed Fulham forward Martell Taylor-Crossdale on a season-long loan.

The 20 year-old had appeared poised to join AFC Wimbledon, but the League Two side moved quickly to add him to their ranks. Head coach Steve Ball said:

'We're delighted to get him in. A lot of play in pre-season has been good up to the box but it's just been about getting that finishing. We've worked the ball into really good areas and Martell will bring that edge to us. He's been at Chelsea and Fulham, so we're delighted to get him. He was actually going to sign for a League One club but he's turned them down because he wanted to come to us. I really can't wait to work for him'.

Taylor-Crossdale, a prolific scorer in his youth team days at Chelsea, joined Fulham after his Stamford Bridge contract expired last summer. He made his senior debut as a substitute in the League Cup defeat by Southampton in August, but has largely featured for Fulham's under-23 side over the past year. He scored five times in seventeen appearances for the under 23s last season and Fulham view a loan as an ideal opportunity for the young striker to gain some first-team experience.

Taylor-Crossdale could make his Colchester debut in next Tuesday's EFL Trophy tie at Portsmouth.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/colchester-united-sign-taylor-crossdale-on-loan/

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Martell Taylor-Crossdale: Fulham striker joins Colchester United on loan

Martell Taylor-Crossdale made his Fulham debut in a League Cup defeat by Southampton in August 2019

Colchester United have signed Fulham striker Martell Taylor-Crossdale on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old has featured just once for Fulham's first team after joining from Chelsea in July 2019.

Taylor-Crossdale has represented England at youth level, most recently featuring for the under-20s.

He is not eligible to play in Saturday's Carabao Cup tie against Reading, but could make his debut against Portsmouth on Tuesday.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54029434

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Report: Fulham targeting loan move for former Chelsea defender Ola Aina

Fulham are said to be eyeing up a potential loan move for Torino defender, Ola Aina, as Scott Parker seeks to add quality and depth to his newly-promoted outfit.

Aina is well-known in England thanks to his spells with Chelsea and Hull City but he has excelled since moving to Torino. Indeed, the Nigerian international played 32 times in Serie A last term.

However, that form has caught the eye of Scott Parker and, according to West London Sport, the Cottagers could be set to make their move for the 14-cap star.

Aina can play a variety of defensive roles, something which will have caught Parker's eye. He can be used down either side at full-back but Parker already has Joe Bryan and new signing, Antonee Robinson, meaning Aina is likely to be used on the right.

Aina has made 69 appearances for Torino, per Transfermarkt, as he looks to finally be realising the potential he showed during his time at Stamford Bridge.

A solid squad addition, Parker is building steadily at Fulham – TBR View

While it might seem odd for Parker to be going for another player who can slot in at left-back but Aina's versatility makes him a strong signing for any newly-promoted team.

It's important for a team to have balance and depth and Aina would certainly bring that. Furthermore, the Nigerian might well be looking to prove himself in the Premier League after having minimal chances with Chelsea.

A loan deal could make sense. It allows Parker to look at Aina a bit more closely before committing to any sort of permanent deal.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-fulham-targeting-loan-move-for-former-chelsea-defender-ola-aina/

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Watkins and Benrahma can go 'if the price is right'

Thomas Frank says Brentford are ready to sell Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma this summer for the right price.

West Ham and Aston Villa want Benrahma, while the clubs keen on striker Watkins include Fulham as well as West Brom, Villa and Crystal Palace.

Brentford will demand sizeable transfer fees for both players but are potentially ready to do business.

West London Sport recently revealed that Nuremberg winger Robin Hack is the club's first-choice replacement if Benrahma moves on.

There has also been interest in Rico Henry – but head coach Frank has indicated that Brentford are unwilling to part with the left-back.

"We know there are a lot of rumours about a lot of our players because they had a top season," said Frank.

"It's no secret that Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma are players that other clubs are interested in.

"And if the price is right, then we're open to selling them.

"So the two of them, if everything is hitting the numbers. But the rest are not for sale."

Meanwhile, Brentford face being left short of cover for right-back Henrik Dalsgaard after Mads Roerslev suffered a foot injury while on international duty with Denmark's Under-21s.

Henry played at right-back in the Bees' recent friendly against Oxford United.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/said-benrahma-ollie-watkins-west-ham-aston-villa-west-brom-04092000

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Fulham In Talks With Torino Over Loan Move For Chelsea Product Ola Aina

According to West London Sport, English Premier League newcomers Fulham are negotiating with Torino over a loan move for Nigeria national-teamer Ola Aina.

The future of Aina at Torino has been the subject of speculation in the last few months, with reports linking him with possible moves to top-flight clubs in France, England and Italy.

Predominantly a fullback, the Chelsea Academy product has been deployed in an unusual position of midfielder in Torino's last two friendlies, which suggests that he is not in the plans of manager Marco Giampaolo for the coming season.

Aina excelled in his first season at Torino and his loan deal was made permanent at the end of the 2018-2019 campaign.

In 69 games across all competitions for the Maroons to date, he has scored one goal and provided six assists.

There is substance to the reports linking Ola Aina with a move to Fulham as his younger brother Jordan has trained with the Cottagers in pre-season.

Though Aina is a Nigeria international, he will count as a homegrown player if he joins Fulham.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=37277

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Mawson set for Bristol City loan switch

Fulham defender Alfie Mawson is poised to join Bristol City on loan, according to The Athletic reporter Adam Leventhal.

Mawson, who has struggled for both form and fitness in his two years at Craven Cottage, had been interesting a number of Championship sides over the summer, including Watford and QPR. Bristol City appear to have won the race for the Swansea defender's services, with Fulham looking to bring in defensive reinforcements ahead of their return to the Premier League next weekend. The 26 year-old has not featured in Scott Parker's first-team since January.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/mawson-set-for-bristol-city-loan-switch/

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Blow for West Ham as London rivals allegedly eye up swoop for pacy 'head-turner'

According to a report from A Bola, West Ham and Fulham want to sign £18 million-rated Sporting Lisbon ace Jovane Cabral.

The Portuguese giants are also reportedly insistent on including a 20% sell-on clause into any kind of deal.

The Hammers and the Cottagers will both be looking to bolster their ranks this summer.

But Scott Parker is more in need of attackers than David Moyes is. So it could be argued that Fulham are more likely to bring Cabral to Craven Cottage this summer.

West Ham need defenders and fast.

The Hammers fans are in absolute meltdown at the moment. Grady Diangana is closing on a move to West Brom and it seems as though we are no nearer signing any new players.

Unrest building in east London

Tensions between the fans and the board are bubbling and they are nearly at boiling point.

We need something good to happen quickly. But missing out on Cabral to our former club captain will further intensify the current ill-feeling at the London Stadium.

Our priority should be to sign some defenders and a centre-forward this summer. That much is certain.

But missing out on players like Cabral to a club like Fulham who we should be blowing out the water financially will hurt.

The 22-year-old Cape Verde international possesses exceptional pace and has been turning heads over the past 12 months (Claret and Hugh). So there is a good chance that the Sporting ace could have a big impact at West Ham.

Let's hope something changes quickly. Perhaps David Sullivan and David Gold will have a change of heart and realise that they cannot continue to run our great club into the ground.

Or in reality, we can just dream on...



https://www.hammers.news/club-news/blow-for-west-ham-as-london-rivals-allegedly-eye-up-swoop-for-pacy-head-turner/