Saturday Fulham Stuff - 19/06/21...

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Tom Cairney: Sheffield United adopt a diplomatic approach towards potential chase for Fulham midfielder
Sheffield United will not attempt to force through a deal for Fulham's Tom Cairney, despite the fact that both the player and their new manager Slavisa Jokanovic would welcome the prospect of working together again.

Despite Jokanovic's decision not to make sweeping changes to the squad he is set to inherit at the beginning of next month, telling Bramall Lane's board of directors he suspects only minor adjustments are required in order to challenge for promotion next term, United have inevitably been linked with Cairney since confirming the Serb will take charge on July 1.

Midfield is a priority position for United this summer, with Sander Berge expected to depart following their relegation from the Premier League and John Lundstram already leaving after refusing to extend his contract. Paul Heckingbottom, who was placed in caretaker charge before Jokanovic's appointment last month, cryptically suggested that Lundstram could yet decide to remain in South Yorkshire before relinquishing control. But that seems unlikely, given United's decision to include his name on the released list they recently published which also included centre-half Phil Jagielka and goalkeeper Simon Moore.

Cairney's future in west London has been shrouded in doubt ever since it emerged Scott Parker, Jokanovic's predecessor at Craven Cottage, has been unsettled ever since Fulham were relegated alongside United last term.

With Parker appearing destined for AFC Bournemouth, they have reportedly slapped a £10m price tag on the Scot in order to ward-off interest from rival clubs.

Despite valuing Berge at £35m, United are not planning to embark on a major spending spree following Jokanovic's arrival, with the former Yugoslavia international confirming he is broadly satisfied with the options at his disposal.

However, if Cairney indicates he wants to resurrect his partnership with Jokanovic, then United would explore ways of trying to open negotiations with his parent club.

Jokanovic led a Fulham side which contained Cairney and Oliver Norwood, now of United, out of the Championship in 2018 before heading to the Middle East.

He also reached the top-flight with Watford three years earlier, but moved on before they made their return to the PL.



https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/tom-cairney-sheffield-united-adopt-a-diplomatic-approach-towards-potential-chase-for-fulham-midfielder-3277152

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Reliable journalist reveals when Scott Parker to Bournemouth is expected to be completed amid Fulham uncertainty

Scott Parker's Fulham future could be decided 'in the coming days' amid links to Bournemouth, according to Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Reports from the Guardian have claimed that the Cherries are looking to appoint Parker as their new head coach with Jonathan Woodgate's contract at the Vitality Stadium due to expire at the end of the month.

They add that Bournemouth are waiting for Parker to leave his role at Fulham with speculation suggesting that his days at Craven Cottage are coming to an end.

Alan Nixon of The Sun has suggested that the emphasis is on the South Coast club to strike an agreement with Fulham for their manager, however according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, there are multiple options for how the situation could be resolved.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Sheth said: "It's thought that all parties are working towards a mutual termination of Scott Parker's contract.

"Bournemouth are very keen to speak to Scott Parker and want him to take over from Jonathan Woodgate when his contract expires on June 30th.

"Parker has a contract until 2023. The issue here is to do with compensation or severance pay.

"If Scott Parker was to resign then he wouldn't be due any severance pay. If Fulham were to sack Scott Parker then they would owe him the remainder of his contract.

"If Scott Parker remains at Fulham and Bournemouth move to appoint him then it'll be Bournemouth who would need to pay compensation to Fulham to get him.

"The idea of mutual termination between Scott Parker and Fulham is almost trying to avoid the big pay-out, but by avoiding that big pay-out it seems that Bournemouth would be the ones to benefit in the long-term as it would be Fulham and Parker doing the mutual termination; Parker would then be free to speak to another club, with that club expected to be Bournemouth."

Sheth added: "As it stands the talks are continuing. We're expecting some kind of resolution in the coming days – hopefully sooner rather than later for all parties as Fulham would like to start looking for a new manager themselves."

The verdict

It all sounds very complicated between Fulham and Scott Parker, but I'd be surprised if this couldn't be worked out.

Parker is clearly approaching the end of his days at Craven Cottage and with Bournemouth clearly keen to bring him in it means that it's a situation that could be wrapped up quite nicely.

The Cherries will be delighted to bring in a boss with the profile of Parker, while Fulham will be happy as well with plenty of noises at the end of last season suggesting that he could be on the way out anyway.

It won't be long until this is sorted, in my opinion, and then both teams can start planning for the season ahead.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/reliable-journalist-reveals-when-scott-parker-to-bournemouth-is-expected-to-be-completed-amid-fulham-uncertainty/

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'Makes whole thing awkward' – Parker in Fulham limbo as Bournemouth links hit a standstill

Recent reports have claimed that Fulham boss Scott Parker is set to leave the club and take over at Championship rivals Bournemouth, but the former England man remains under contract at Craven Cottage.

Parker signed a three-year deal with Fulham last summer.

His side would go on to be relegated from the Premier League though and now it seems like Parker and the Fulham board both want to part ways, with Bournemouth seemingly Parker's next destination.

The Cherries lost out in the play-offs to Brentford. Jonathan Woodgate saw them into the top-six after a decent showing as interim manager but now looks set to step down from the role – his future at the club remains unclear.

But Bournemouth's pursuit of Parker is seemingly at a standstill. Reports from The Guardian claim that Parker's tenure is 'close to ending' following a 'disagreement' with the board, but his contract remains the biggest obstacle in his potential move to the south coast.

Tweeting on the matter, The Sun's Alan Nixon said:

Three parties in the deal. Never going to be simple. But it’s a long way down the road now. Eventually somebody will have to sort out the cash. https://t.co/JB44txoFPP

— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) June 17, 2021

Parker proved his worth in the Premier League last season.

Despite his side's overall disappointing showing, Parker garnered a lot of praise for the way he got his side playing football and he's rightly become an in-demand name going into the summer.

It'd be a huge shame for Fulham if they were to lose out but with Parker's sights seemingly set on leaving, the club need an outcome.

Should he leave then they'll need to find his replacement fast and should he remain at Craven Cottage, then Bournemouth will need to figure out their own pre-season.



https://the72.co.uk/239580/makes-whole-thing-awkward-parker-in-fulham-limbo-as-bournemouth-links-hit-a-standstill/

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10 Premier League outcasts that Fulham should try sign on loan this summer and why

Fulham will be looking to redevelop their squad this summer after once again falling back down into the Sky Bet Championship.

Scott Parker's side were heavily praised for some of the football that they played throughout the 2020/21 campaign but alas they failed to come up with the goods in the moments that mattered as they eventually succumbed to relegation from the top flight.

This summer offers the Whites the opportunity to bring in some fresh blood to supplement what is an already talented squad, with targets sure to be getting drawn up by the recruitment team.

Meanwhile there is plenty of speculation over the future of Parker, with recent reports suggesting that the 40-year-old could well be ready to step away from Craven Cottage in order to take on the Bournemouth job.

In the meantime, we have drawn up a list of TEN Premier League outcasts that Fulham should try and sign on loan this summer and why they could be good additions.

Marc Guehi
The Chelsea player has just returned from an extremely successful loan spell with Swansea City and is almost certain to be sent out on loan once more by the newly crowed UEFA Champions League winners.

He possesses great pace and is terrific at defending in one of one situations, thus making him the ideal candidate to improve the Fulham backline.

With some of their current centre backs being linked with moves away, the Whites would be wise to bring in this youngster after he impressed so many in the Championship last term.

Reinforcing the defence will certainly be on Fulham's to-do list.

Conor Gallagher
Another Chelsea player who faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, Gallagher could well be open to a move across West London to join the Whites in order to get more experience under his belt.

The midfielder's high energy and passing range makes him the ideal candidate to slot into what is an already talented Fulham engine room at present.

He would thrive in a box to box midfield role and already has experience of playing in the Championship from his previous loan stints with both Charlton Athletic and Swansea City back in the 2019/20 campaign which saw him receive a lot of recognition.

Eddie Nketiah
The Arsenal striker has been out of favour at the Emirates Stadium for quite some time now and could well be sent out on loan again to get his confidence up.

A move from Fulham for Nketiah would be ambitious but there is every chance that they could pull it off, with the striker in desperate need of not only game time but also goals as well.

He struggled at Leeds United previously but would certainly thrive on paper at Fulham as they will need a good alternative for Aleksandar Mitrović in certain games.

There is also the possibility of the two frontmen starting up top together.

Ryan Longman
The Brighton and Hove Albion man has just returned to the South Coast after a particularly successful loan spell with AFC Wimbledon in Sky Bet League One and could well be open to taking him development to the next level by heading out on loan to a Championship side.

It appears unlikely that he will get a chance with the Seagulls next term, so therefore another move to London could well appeal to the player who can play wide or centrally in the final third.

He would offer Fulham a great degree of pace, versatility and work rate that would compliment the likes of Mitrovic well when the club is on the attack.

Jack Clarke
Clarke is a player who has so far struggled to get a chance at Tottenham Hotspur since his big move from Leeds United and he could well be loaned out again this summer in order to continue his development.

He spent the season just gone with Stoke City but may be more inclined to make a move to London in order to grow used to living in that area of the country.

Fulham would certainly give him the game time he craves and he would add an extra edge of pace and directness to their attacks out wide.

Capable of moments of brilliant, the youngster would be an eye opening addition for the Whites.

Ryan Sessegnon
Sessegnon is a player that everyone at Fulham will know well and most importantly they will know what he is capable of at Championship level after coming through at Craven Cottage as a youngster.

His big move to Tottenham hasn't really gone to plan either and as a result he could head out on loan again next term.

As seen in his first stint with the Whites, the left sided player would add a great threat from either full back or on the wing and would bring some added width to their play overall.

A drop down to the Championship may be a big step but it could be the boost that the 21-year-old needs to get back to his best.

Tino Anjorin
Another player who plies his trade just up the road at Chelsea, Anjorin appears ready to take the next step in his development pathway and head out on loan away from the Premier League side.

An exciting attacking midfielder, Anjorin would combine well with the likes of Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed in the centre of the park and would add an extra edge of creativity to the Fulham ranks going forwards.

He would be extremely keen to showcase his talents in what is a very competitive league and would certainly take his game to the next level in a welcoming environment such as Craven Cottage.

Michael Obafemi
The Southampton striker is currently down the pecking order on the South Coast and would certainly benefit heavily from a temporary departure this summer in order to continue his development.

A forward player that runs the channel well and helps his side to get up the pitch, Obafemi would certainly fit in well to the way that Fulham want to play football.

He is capable of playing as an out and out striker as well as on the wing, meaning that he could take on the same role that Aboubakar Kamara has had in recent years at the West London club.

Harry Wilson
The talented Wales international has just returned to Liverpool off the back of another impressive season at Championship level and could well be set for a departure from Anfield as a result.

Wilson notched up some brilliant numbers whilst on loan with Cardiff City and would surely be success at Craven Cottage if he was to complete a move to the club this summer.

Liverpool would probably be keen to sell the player, so there is potential for Fulham to negotiate a loan to buy deal that could be done on the condition of them securing a promotion back to the Premier League.

Patrick Roberts
The exciting winger has lost his way since departing Fulham for Manchester City some years ago and could well benefit from getting a full season of football under his belt.

After spending two largely uninspiring loan spells with Middlesbrough and Derby County respectively last season, Roberts would surely benefit from having some continuity in his career.

The Whites are already well aware of what he can offer from his previous stint with them and he would be a candidate to slot in seamlessly into the midfield on the right hand side.

There is a great player in there somewhere and a return to his old stomping ground could bring him back into form.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/10-premier-league-outcasts-that-fulham-should-try-sign-on-loan-this-summer-and-why/

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Newcastle ahead of Cardiff, Fulham in transfer chase – Bournemouth previously linked

Newcastle United are reportedly 'leading the race' the sign Tottenham Hotspur's Cameron Carter-Vickers this summer – the US international has been linked with Bournemouth, Cardiff City and Fulham in the Championship.

Carter-Vickers, 23, spent the last season on loan with Bournemouth. After working his way back from injury he went on to feature  23 times in the Championship for the Cherries who have since been reported to want a permanent deal for the defender.

Now though, American outlet SBI Soccer claim that Newcastle United are leading Cardiff and Fulham in the race to sign the £10million-rated Spurs man, with New York Red Bulls also interested.

Both Fulham and Cardiff are said to have 'made contact' with Spurs regarding a possible summer move.

The American international was a key player in the second half of the season for Bournemouth.

He arrived injured but when he came into the side in the middle of the campaign, he quickly became a key player and would find himself in the starting line up most every week after.

Bournemouth would claim a top-six spot under the interim watch of Jonathan Woodgate but would be knocked out by eventual winners Brentford, with Woodgate's future now unclear.

Scott Parker seems to be in pole position to take over at the club.

As for the likes of Cardiff and Fulham, they likely won't be able to compete with Newcastle in the pursuit of Carter-Vickers. Steve Bruce's side having Premier League status will be a huge pull and with a £10million valuation, it's hard to see a Championship side paying Spurs that amount.



https://the72.co.uk/239599/newcastle-ahead-of-cardiff-fulham-in-transfer-chase-bournemouth-previously-linked/

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Millwall preparing bid for Sheffield Wednesday attacker Josh Windass

Millwall are preparing a bid for Sheffield Wednesday attacker Josh Windass, according to Sky Sports (live transfer blog, 18.06.21, 10:02).

Millwall are looking to throw the forward a Championship lifeline following Sheffield Wednesday's relegation to League One last season.

Windass, who is 26-years-old, is also wanted by Birmingham City and Preston North End this summer. Fulham are keen too, as per the Sheffield Star.

He impressed for Sheffield Wednesday last season and scored 10 goals in all competitions despite the Owls slipping into the third tier.

Windass started his career with spells at Huddersfield Town and Harrogate Railway Athletic as a youngster before joining Accrington Stanley in 2013.

He caught the eye playing for Stanley and was snapped up by Rangers a few years later. He then spent two campaigns on the books at Ibrox, scoring a combined 19 goals.

Wigan Athletic came calling next and he spent a season-and-a-half with the Latics before moving to Sheffield Wednesday.

Millwall are now plotting a move for him but there will be plenty of competition for his signature.

Thoughts

Windass would be a great signing for whichever Championship clubs wins the race for his signature.

Millwall could do with some attacking reinforcements and he would be a shrewd addition for the Lions.

However, they need to act fast if they are to bring him down to London this summer as there are lots of other clubs being linked.



https://the72.co.uk/239618/millwall-preparing-bid-for-sheffield-wednesday-attacker-josh-windass/

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'There's got to be something wrong' – Exclusive: Lawrie Sanchez delivers Aleksandar Mitrovic verdict following disappointing Fulham season

He was expected to be the man to fire in the goals for Fulham to try and keep them in the Premier League last season, but Aleksandar Mitrovic couldn't be the one that Scott Parker could rely on.

After scoring 26 goals in 41 Championship outings the season prior, Mitrovic was in tip-top form upon his return to the top flight, where he last scored 11 times in the 2018-19 season.

Following his brace against Leeds in the second game of this past season, it looked like a prolific season was coming again for the 26-year-old – but he didn't score again until April as a loss of form, a positive COVID test and a stint on the bench restricted him to just three goals all season.

Mitrovic may now not remain at Craven Cottage for next season, with the likes of AS Roma and Jose Mourinho being linked with his signature – but is he good enough to be a top flight player in a major country?

A former Fulham manager, Lawrie Sanchez still watches the Cottagers a lot and he will have got to see a lot of Mitrovic in the Premier League – and he has serious doubts that the Serb is anything more than Championship quality.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sanchez said: "I don't know what happened with Mitrovic. I saw him sat on the bench towards the end of season at Fulham last year and I'm thinking 'he's the only one who scores goals at Fulham isn't he?'

"But he certainly does it in the Championship – perhaps he is a Championship player. Some players are of that level, and not quite the top level.

"If your manager is not playing you when you can't score goals and fighting relegation and you're a centre forward, then there's got to be something wrong."



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/theres-got-to-be-something-wrong-exclusive-lawrie-sanchez-delivers-aleksandar-mitrovic-verdict-following-disappointing-fulham-season/

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Slovakia goalkeeper Marek Rodak's gorgeous girlfriend was Miss Summer Beauty winner

Fulham and Slovakia stopper Marek Rodek doesn't just punch away crosses, he also punches well above his weight too with stunning Slovakian model Noemi Kovacsova

Slovakia stopper Marek Rodak has a real keeper in gorgeous girlfriend Noemi Kovacsova.

Rodak, 24, will be a familiar name to most English football fans having joined Fulham in 2013 and spent time on-loan at the likes of Accrington Stanley and Rotherham United.

Despite making just two starts in the Premier League last season, the stopper still made Slovakia's squad for the European Championships where he is second choice behind Newcastle star Martin Dubravka.

The Cottagers ace might be playing second fiddle at international level, but he's the number one for stunning Slovakia model Kovacsova, who won the Slovakian Miss Beauty summer competition when she was just 16.


Taken from Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nomika17/?hl=en nomika17 / Instagram Noe¿mi Kova¿csova¿ Slovakia goalkeeper Marek Rodaks gorgeous girlfriend was Miss Summer Beauty winner (Image: INSTAGRAM)

She and Rodak are thought to have started their relationship in 2020, and the blonde bombshell reportedly now splits her time between London and Slovakia.

Kovacsova isn't just a beauty, she has brains too and studied at the Pavla Jozefa Safarika University in Kosice.


Marek Rodak is in Slovakia's Euro 2020 squad


His partner studied at the Pavla Jozefa Safarika University in Kosice

Her Instagram is filled with stunning snaps of her enjoying life with Rodak and modelling clothes while out and about.

Rodak revealed last August how Kovacsova had been a rock for him during Fulham's promotion-winning season from the Championship.

Speaking to Slovakian website Sport24, he said: "Yes, my girlfriend is definitely one of the people who stood by me and helped me a lot mentally during the season".

He also touched on a holiday they spent together with friends in Croatia, adding: "We decided to go on holiday to Croatia.

"We walk around the islands on a boat. We enjoy free time with my girlfriend and my childhood friends, with whom I started playing football".

Rodak will be hoping that he can help Slovakia make it through to the round-of-16 at the Euros, even if he has to be content with a place on the bench.



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/marek-rodak-girlfriend-slovakia-euros-24350592

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QPR dealt blow in Stefan Johansen pursuit

Queens Park Rangers have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Stefan Johansen to the Kiyan Price Foundation Stadium this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by West London Sport, who claim that, despite Mark Warburton's side remaining in negotiations with Fulham, talks regarding the 30-year-old's transfer to QPR have been held up due to the uncertainty surrounding Scott Parker's future at Craven Cottage.

It is then reported that, should the 40-year-old indeed go on to leave the recently relegated side this summer, his replacement will want to assess the Fulham squad, something that could curtail the Rs' proposed move for Johansen altogether.

Warburton will be gutted

With it being thought that a deal for Johansen is one of Warburton's main priorities in the summer transfer window, the possibility of a move for the midfielder being called off is likely to leave the 58-year-old manager gutted.

Indeed, it is easy to see why the QPR boss is so eager to bring the £1.8m-rated man back to the club ahead of next season, as he highly impressed during a loan spell at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium last term.

Over his 21 Championship appearances for the Rs last time out, the Norway international scored four goals, provided two assists and created two big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 1.6 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the £8k-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.00, ranking him as Warburton's sixth-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, with QPR undoubtedly hoping to build off the back of a remarkable second half of the season last term – with the club ranking third in the Championship table since the turn of the year – in their upcoming campaign, the return of the midfielder whom Ronny Deila dubbed an "unbelievable" player would certainly appear to increase the Rs' chances of continuing their assault on the top six in 2021/22.

However, whether or not Johansen will be making a return to the club this summer very much appears up in the air at present, with both Warburton and fans of the club facing an anxious wait regarding Fulham's eventual decision regarding the 30-year-old.



https://www.footballfancast.com/qpr-transfer-rumours/queens-park-rangers-qpr-transfer-news-fulham-mark-warburton-stefan-johansen-the-championship

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AEW is reportedly in debts due to major investments in video games

It's safe to say AEW has turned out to be a formidable alternative to WWE by focusing on in-ring action and logical storylines. Plus, its consistent TV viewership and buy rates paint a rosy picture of the company's finances from the outside.

However, everything isn't as hunky-dory as it seems to be for AEW. Eight-figure investments into the video game section ensured the company remained in debt in 2020 and didn't turn any profits.

On top of that, with the crowds not in attendance for most of 2020, there was no revenue from ticket sales, and the promotion was dependent mainly on the television rights fees from TNT.

AEW President Tony Khan was recently profiled by Forbes, in which he delved into the finances of the promotion.

Despite the aforementioned issues, Khan sounded optimistic about making decent profits in 2021 due to AEW's upswing in pay-per-view purchases, fans returning to action, and the debut of their show, Ramage, on TNT in August.

The financial analysis of AEW by Forbes reads as follows:

The $43.75 million AEW received from TNT last year made up the largest share of its revenue, but that's a rounding error compared to publicly traded WWE's record $974 million in revenue in 2020. Still, AEW's pay-per-view numbers and ticket sales are growing, and the new show will add to its coffers. Khan expects its wrestling division to be profitable this year, though an eight-figure investment in video game development will keep the company in the red for now.

AEW released its first game in February 2021
AEW released its first game earlier this year in February called AEW Casino. A free mobile gambling game, it has received a positive reception from fans.

Another mobile game, AEW Elite GM, is in testing and is scheduled to come out later this year. However, the most anticipated of the lot, the unnamed console game, is taking a little longer than expected.

AEW Champion Kenny Omega is also an integral part of the promotion's gaming division due to his in-depth knowledge of the business.




https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/news-aew-reportedly-major-debts?key=skwwe&utm_source=AUTOFEED&utm_medium=WWEFBPAGE&utm_campaign=sportskeeda%20wrestling&fbclid=IwAR30VsB3gK89uTG4XYwcptzEzT_Yuqm4OOGWL8sYlZclksOi45OPJjk1YtA