Monday Fulham Stuff - 28/06/21...

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An early look at what Middlesbrough's XI could look like against Fulham on the opening day

Middlesbrough are just six weeks away from the big kick-off and at Football League World we can't wait.

The Teessiders finished last season in 10th position after a stop-start run of f0rm in the closing stages of the campaign brought their play-off aspirations to a premature end.

With the new season just around the corner the hope is that things will be very different.

Neil Warnock is already putting plans in place for the season ahead as he runs the rule over potential transfer targets.

New faces could join the old guard on the opening day of the new campaign as they travel to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage, but what could Warnock's starting XI look like in West London?

Here's an early look at how Middlesbrough could line up.

GK: Joe Lumley
Middlesbrough may have only made one new signing this summer, but he's bound to start against Fulham.

Joe Lumley has moved to the Riverside Stadium after coming to the end of his contract with Queens Park Rangers and will be hoping to get his career in the North East off to the best possible start.

The 26-year-old has made just 84 appearances for the Hoops but with just Dejan Stojanovic and youngster Sol Brynn set to provide competition at the moment, it feels like the starting jersey will be his.

Neil Warnock may bring another stopper in before August but for now the gloves certainly belong to Lumley.

RB: Anfernee Dijksteel
One of Middlesbrough's most improved players last term.

Anfernee Dijksteel's first season at the Riverside Stadium was pretty disappointing with many questioning whether Jonathan Woodgate's signing was capable of performing consistently at Championship level.

Last season he certainly eased those concerns.

Dijksteel was a regular starter under Neil Warnock, playing at both right-back and centre-back over the course of the campaign.

While Darnell Fisher and Djed Spence could provide competition, it feels like Dijksteel will be in the starting XI in one position or another.

CB: Dael Fry
Dael Fry is preparing for a big season.

The 23-year-old has really grown in influence over the last couple of seasons and as a result he's now seen as one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Assuming that he's fit and ready then it's inevitable that he'll be lining up in the heart of Neil Warnock's defence.

The only real question mark surrounding him is if a Premier League club come in with a big offer to sign the player ahead of the new season, but as it stands, it seems that Fry will be a leading figure as Middlesbrough look to push towards the play-offs.

CB: Paddy McNair
Another player who will be in the starting XI in one role or another.

Paddy McNair was a real success story under Neil Warnock last season after the versatile midfielder slotted into central defence when injuries took their toll on the team.

In actual fact, it was probably the Northern Ireland international's best season for the club.

There's a chance that he could be back in contention to take on a role in central midfield but with just Dael Fry and Grant Hall likely to be natural centre-back options, I wouldn't be surprised to see McNair stay there and thrive in the new season, starting against Fulham.

LB: Marc Bola
Like Anfernee Dijksteel, Marc Bola is someone who really came of age last season.

The full-back struggled in his first campaign and was even sent back to his former club Blackpool on loan in order to restore a bit of confidence.

Most expected that he might move on last term, but Bola really dug in and proved himself as one of Neil Warnock's most reliable players.

Other than Hayden Coulson, options at left-back are limited and with Coulson clearly not fancied by the manager it seems that Bola is something of a default option in that position, but don't let that fool you as Bola is a really big player for Middlesbrough and will be again in the coming season.

CM: Jonny Howson
Middlesbrough's very own Mr Reliable.

Jonny Howson arrived at the club back in 2017 and has only grown in influence during his four years at the club.

The central midfielder is one of Neil Warnock's most trusted players and is renowned as a man who can do everything including defending, tackling, passing and breaking forward with the ball.

At 33 years of age Howson shows little sign of slowing down and could be used in central defence or right back over the course of the season, but if Warnock has his way, Howson will be leading the midfield unit against Fulham.

DM: Sam Morsy
A player who enjoyed a really encouraging first season with Middlesbrough.

Morsy arrived from Wigan Athletic last summer where he was a hugely popular figure among supporters for his no-nonsense style of play and full-blooded approach to taking the game to the opposition.

After a full campaign I think that the Teessiders know why.

The 29-year-old may not be the most technically gifted of players but Neil Warnock is a huge fan and so the player is a no-brainer to occupy that defensive midfield role in front of the defenders.

CM: Pelly Ruddock
A player who could come into the side if transfer reports are to believed.

Reports from Football Insider have claimed that Middlesbrough are interested in a move for the player as his contract at Luton Town comes to an end in the coming days.

Ruddock is a real handful in the middle of the park due to his defensive ability, while he is also renowned for his lung-busting runs from midfield – making him a real box-to-box threat.

If he was to join Middlesbrough then I'd certainly be backing him to start against Fulham.

RW: Marcus Tavernier
The 22-year-old could be Middlesbrough's star man this term.

Marcus Tavernier has perhaps been the victim of his own versatility in recent seasons but last term we started to see the best of him as he was utilised in more of an inside forward role on the right flank.

The academy prospect is at his best when he's jinking inside onto his left foot and letting fly from the edge of the area – something that fans will be wanting to see more of next term.

If he's fit then Tavernier is a dead-cert to start on the opening day of the season.

LW: Sammy Ameobi
Signing a left winger is going to be a top priority this summer.

With Yannick Bolasie moving on it means that Neil Warnock will need a replacement and that's why this man could come into contention.

Reports from Football Insider have claimed that Middlesbrough have opened talks with the 29-year-old over a move to Teesside following the end of his contract at Nottingham Forest.

Ameobi has pace and power to burn and so he could be a real handful if he did make the move to the club as he looks to cut inside from the left flank and cause problems for opposition defenders.

ST: Michael Smith
Another position that Neil Warnock is desperate to strengthen.

Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher have already moved on, while it seems that Chuba Akpom won't be the man to lead the line.

As a result several players have been linked with a move to the Riverside Stadium – most notably Michael Smith.

Reports from the Northern Echo have claimed that the Rotherham United striker is a top target for the club, and with his contract due to expire, he could be the chosen man to start in attack on the opening day of the new season.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/an-early-look-at-what-middlesbroughs-xi-could-look-like-against-fulham-on-the-opening-day/

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Scott Parker to leave Fulham within next 48 hours before joining Bournemouth as head coach

Parker and Fulham are negotiating over the mutual termination of his contract, but those talks are expected to be concluded within the next 48 hours; Parker will then join Bournemouth, who have confirmed Jonathan Woodgate's deal will not be renewed

Scott Parker is set to leave his role as Fulham head coach within the next 48 hours, after which he will be appointed as Bournemouth's new boss.

Parker remains in negotiations with Fulham over the mutual termination of his contract, but those talks are expected to be finalised over the next few days.

The former England international will then take up the role as head coach at Bournemouth, who have confirmed current boss Jonathan Woodgate's contract - which expires on Wednesday - will not be renewed.

Woodgate, who led Bournemouth to the play-off semi-finals only to be beaten by Brentford, said: "It was a real experience for me personally and I can't thank the staff, who were absolutely incredible, and the people of the town enough for the support they gave me.

"I'd also like to thank the players for all their hard work. They were a great group to work with and it was gutting how the season ended for us all. They deserved better than how it ended at Brentford."

Parker still has two years left to run on his Fulham deal. However, he is understood to have already put together his backroom staff ahead of taking the Bournemouth job, while Fulham have begun the search for a new head coach.

Stuart Gray is expected to be in temporary charge of Fulham until a new manager is appointed, while Mark Pembridge and Colin Omogbehin have been asked to step up to assist Gray with first-team duties.

Parker - who spent four years as a player at Fulham - was made interim manager in February 2019 and, although he could not save them from relegation from the Premier League, became full-time boss that summer.

The 40-year-old then led Fulham back to the top flight at the first time of asking thanks to a play-off final victory over London rivals Brentford.

However, Fulham were relegated back to the Championship last season after a disappointing return to the Premier League which saw them win just five matches.

Fulham's return to the second tier means they will face Parker's new club Bournemouth home and away next season.

The Cherries returned to the Championship last season after five years in the Premier League but could not achieve promotion at the first time of asking, falling in the play-off semi-finals to Brentford.

They began the campaign with Jason Tindall in charge following the departure of Eddie Howe, but he was sacked in February and replaced by Woodgate on a caretaker basis.

The new Championship season begins on the weekend of August 7/8. Fulham will host Middlesbrough while Bournemouth will welcome West Brom, who were also relegated from the Premier League last season.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/12342987/scott-parker-to-leave-fulham-within-next-48-hours-before-joining-bournemouth-as-head-coach

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Parker set to become Bournemouth boss

Scott Parker will leave Fulham within the next 48 hours – paying the way for him to take over as manager of Bournemouth, according to a Sky Sports report this morning.

Parker's protracted departure from Craven Cottage has been the subject of extensive negotiations between the 40 year-old and the Fulham hierarchy. His relationship with the club's ownership deteriorated over the course of last season, when Fulham were relegated from the Premier League, and that has prompted Bournemouth, who previously considered him as the leading candidate to replace Eddie Howe, to revive their interest in taking him to the south coast.

The former Fulham captain, who guided Fulham to promotion via the Championship play-offs in 2020, will succeed Jonathan Woodgate, whose contract as the Cherries' caretaker manager expires at the end of this month.

Stuart Gray is expected to take charge of Fulham's pre-season preparations from tomorrow, with under 23 coaches Colin Omogbehin and Mark Pembridge assisting him, as the club looks to recruit Parker's permanent successor.




https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/06/parker-set-to-become-bournemouth-boss/

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Timeline for end of Bournemouth, Fulham saga outlined as significant Scott Parker news breaks

Fulham boss Scott Parker is set to leave within the next 48 hours before taking charge at Bournemouth, according to Sky Sports.

The end of Parker's two-year tenure at Craven Cottage now appears to be close as, according to Sky Sports, negotiations between the 40-year-old and the west London club over the mutual termination of his contract are expected to be completed over the next few days.

It is understood he will then be appointed the new Bournemouth boss, with Jonathan Woodgate having already been informed that his contract will not be extended before its expiration on the 30th of June.

Fulham were relegated from the Premier League last season and though Parker's current deal runs until 2023, it seems he will not be in charge for their return to the Championship in 2021/22.

Reports have suggested that the west London club are lining up Swansea City boss Steve Cooper as the 40-year-old's replacement – though it is understood they're not currently willing to pay his £3 million release clause.

Former Fulham assistant manager Javier Pereira is thought to still be in the running as well.

The Verdict

After weeks of speculation and rumours, it seems as though we may finally be about to see some movement concerning Parker.

The 40-year-old has had his highs and lows at Craven Cottage but ultimately achieved the aim of getting the club back to the Premier League, which is no doubt why the Cherries are looking to appoint him.

His departure could well start a domino effect in the EFL, with Cooper linked with becoming his replacement and Lincoln City's Michael Appleton believed to be someone the Swans have their eye on.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/timeline-for-end-of-bournemouth-fulham-saga-outlined-as-significant-scott-parker-news-breaks/

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Player stance emerges as West Brom, Swansea City and Fulham plot bargain deal

Sheffield United defender Kean Bryan could be open to making the switch to West Brom this summer with his future at Bramall Lane uncertain, according to The Sun.

Bryan's current deal with Sheffield United is set to expire and it has been reported that the Blades are set to push the defender into making a final decision over his long-term future in the next week.

That comes with new manager Slavisa Jokanovic set to hold talks with the 24-year-old over his future with him having been offered fresh terms by Sheffield United earlier this summer.

It has been reported by Football Insider that West Brom are lining up a potential contract offer for Bryan as they try and secure the defender's services this summer.

That comes with previous reports having revealed that both Fulham and Swansea City are also interested in signing the 24-year-old.

The latest report from The Sun reveals that Bryan out of the sides that are interested could most prefer a move to West Brom this summer.

It is believed that a chance to move to the Hawthorns could appeal most to him out of any of the other interested clubs.

The verdict

This is a major positive for West Brom and suggests that they do now have a good chance of making a move for Bryan happen during the summer transfer window.

That would be a real boost for Valerien Ismael as he aims to build the squad in his own image now after taking over at the Hawthorns and the 24-year-old might be his first potential arrival.

You can understand why a move to West Brom would be appealing for Bryan this summer, with the Baggies looking well placed to mount a promotion push under Ismael.

It would also represent a better chance for him to have regular game time in the Championship and to establish himself as the first choice of a side pushing for promotion.

It could be a blow for Sheffield United with the Blades clearly keen to ensure that they keep hold of him this summer and that he does not move away to a potential promotion rival. However, it seems from this update that Bryan might well be leaving them for the Hawthorns.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/player-stance-emerges-as-west-brom-swansea-city-and-fulham-plot-bargain-deal/

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Scott Parker 'to leave Fulham in the next 48 hours before joining Bournemouth' as manager to replace Jonathan Woodgate who is out of contract at the Vitality Stadium

    Scott Parker is all but certain to leave Fulham as he prepares for exit
    Parker set to take over from Jonathan Woodgate at Bournemouth this week
    Woodgate will not have contract renewed after interim appointment in February

Scott Parker is reportedly just days away from leaving Fulham to replace the outgoing Jonathan Woodgate as manager of Bournemouth.

Sportsmail revealed earlier in June that Parker was prepared to walk out on the Cottagers having failed to keep them in the Premier League last term.

The former England midfielder is set to take over at the Vitality Stadium and, according to Sky Sports,is in talks with Fulham over the matter of the mutual termination of his contract.


Scott Parker is set to leave his position as Fulham manager within the next couple of days

Although his deal still has two years to run, the report claims Parker has already picked his backroom staff for his impending arrival on the south coast.

Parker took Fulham to the top flight at the first-time of asking after defeating Brentford in a play-off final at Wembley in 2019.

However, the Cottagers struggled on their return to the Premier League and barely looked capable of being able to avoid an instant return to the Championship, eventually finishing in 18th and 11 points off safety.


He is set to to take over from Jonathan Woodgate (right) at Bournemouth, who will depart

Woodgate only took over at Bournemouth in February following the dismissal of manager Jason Tindall, and took the Cherries to the play-offs as they sought to seal their own instant return to the top flight following relegation last year.

However defeat in the play-offs by Brentford proved a disappointing end to the campaign and Woodgate, who had penned a deal as interim boss until the end of the 2020-21, will not see his contract renewed.

Fulham and Bournemouth will meet in the Championship next term, with the season getting underway from August 7.

Parker's first game would see Bournemouth host a West Brom side also relegated from the Premier League last season, while Fulham, who are already searching for a new manager, will welcome Middlesbrough to Craven Cottage.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9729989/Scott-Parker-leave-Fulham-48-hours-joining-Bournemouth-manager.html

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Fulham receive offer for Aboubakar Kamara

Fulham have received an offer for troublesome centre-forward Aboubakar Kamara.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (via Football League World), who claim that Greek Super League club Aris Thessaloniki have made a bid worth over £4m for the 26-year-old Fulham striker.

The report does not mention whether chairman Tony Khan has accepted the bid, or indicate whether the Cottagers are open to selling the Mauritania international this summer, although it is stated that Kamara is under contract at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2024, suggesting Fulham are in a strong negotiating position regarding their rarely-seen forward.

Having joined Fulham from French side Amiens SC in what was a £5.35m move back in 2017, it would seem a fair assessment to make that Kamara has not quite lived up to expectations in west London.

Indeed, having featured a total of 93 times in all competitions for the Cottagers, the 26-year-old has scored just 17 goals and provided six assists for his teammates, with the vast majority of these goal involvements coming in the Championship.

Last season, the £1.8m-rated striker was incredibly disappointing over his 11 Premier League appearances for Scott Parker's side, scoring no goals, registering no assists and creating no big chances, in addition to mustering an average of just 0.2 shots on target per game and missing one big chance for his side.

These metrics saw Kamara earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.36, ranking him as Fulham's fifth-worst performer in the top flight of English football, with Parker subsequently allowing the £21k-per-week forward to move on loan Dijon FCO for the second half of the campaign.

His time at Craven Cottage has been regularly been marred by controversy too, emphasising just how bad he's let the club down for several years.

As per the Daily Mail, there was that infamous penalty incident with teammate Aleksander Mitrovic in December 2018, which led to a fight behind the scenes during training at a later date. He was also arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm at club's training ground in 2019 and even refused to train before his loan exit in January this year.

As such, considering the miserable returns Kamara has brought Fulham, if the club have indeed received a bid of around £4m for the striker whom Claudio Ranieri once claimed he "wanted to kill," as well as labelling the 26-year-old's actions in one game as "unbelievable," it would appear highly advisable for the club to get rid of the striker as quickly as possible this summer.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-transfer-news-scott-parker-tony-khan-aboubakar-kamara-the-championship

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An early look at what Fulham's XI could look like against Middlesbrough on the opening day

Fulham will be looking to ensure they change division for a fifth season in a row during the 2021/22 campaign.

Following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season, the Cottagers will be looking to bounce back quickly with promotion back to the top-flight of English football in the coming year.

Now, Fulham know the task that will be facing them as they look to do that, following the release of the fixtures for the new campaign earlier this week.

For Fulham, that is a challenge that will begin with the visit of Middlesbrough to Craven Cottage in the first weekend of August.

With the transfer yet to get into full flow, and uncertainty hanging over just who will be in the dugout at Craven Cottage come the start of the season, there is still much to be decided with regards to just how Fulham might lineup going into the new season.

Here though, we've taken an early look at the starting lineup Fulham could open the season with against 'Boro.

GK: Marek Rodak
With Alphonse Areola's loan from PSG now expired, and a decision over a new contract for Marcus Bettinelli yet to be announced, the goalkeeping position is one that could see a bit of change at Fulham this summer.

One option in this position who remains under contract at Craven Cottage though, is Marek Rodak, who will be looking to reclaim the number one spot next season, having dropped behind Areola in the pecking order during the previous campaign.

Having played an important role in Fulham's promotion the last time they were at this level, it may not be a huge surprise if Rodak is given the chance to make this position his own at the start of next season.

LB: Joe Bryan
Despite being Fulham's play-off final hero the last time they won promotion to the Premier League, Joe Bryan struggled for opportunities in the top-flight last season.

Bryan started just seven league games during the 2020/21 campaign, but could get an opportunity to enjoy a more regular run in the Cottagers' starting lineup this time around, as he approaches a century of appearances in Fulham colours.

That would at least in part be down to the fact that Antonee Robinson has reportedly emerged as transfer target for Manchester City this summer, and a move to the Etihad for the American, could give Bryan the chance to make that position his own again this summer.

CB: Tim Ream
With Joachim Andersen's loan from Lyon over, and Tosin Adarabioyo seemingly attracting interest from the Premier League, it does seem as though centre back is another position that could look rather different for Fulham next season.

One long serving Fulham player who that could open up a fresh opportunity for is Tim Ream, who has over 200 Fulham appearances to his name, but struggled for game time in the Premier League last season.

That experience that Ream possesses, not least in terms of winning promotion from the Championship with the Cottagers, could potentially be useful for Fulham as they aim for another swift return to the top-flight.

CB: Kean Bryan
One new face Fulham could bring in for the start of next season to reinforce the centre of their defence, is Kean Bryan.

The Cottagers are one of several clubs who are said to be interested in the 24-year-old, who is set to be a free agent in the next few days when his contract with Fulham's fellow Premier League relegation sufferers Sheffield United is set to expire, despite the Blades offering him a new deal.

Bryan was one of Sheffield United's stronger performers in a dismal campaign for the Blades last season, suggesting that he could be a reliable option for Fulham in the Championship, and you wonder whether his youth could blend well with the experience of Ream.

RB: Kenny Tete
One position that Fulham do already seem to have a number of options in heading into the window, and potentially the new season, is right-back.

The Cottagers pulled off something of an eye-catching signing last summer with the arrival of Kenny Tete from French giants Lyon, although the 25-year-old didn't quite live up to full expectations last season.

But with Ola Aina's loan from Torino now over, and three more years remaining on his contract at Craven Cottage, the start of the new season could provide another opportunity for Tete to make his mark for Fulham, which you would expect him to be able to do at Championship level.

CDM: Harrison Reed
One player whose future Fulham have seemingly been handed a boost with regards to recently, is Harrison Reed.

Having stood out in the Premier League last season after making a loan move to Craven Cottage permanent the previous summer, it was reported earlier this year that Leeds are interested in the midfielder, although suggestions of that interest have subsequently been dismissed.

Given the quality that Reed has shown both in the Premier League and Championship, it will be a big lift for Fulham if they are able to retain his services for the new campaign, so it would be no surprise to see him start the season in the centre of the park for the Cottagers if he is still at Craven Cottage at that point.

CDM: Stefan Johansen
With Kevin McDonald now released and reports from Italy claiming that Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa is a target for Napoli, the question of who might start the season alongside Reed for Fulham could be an interesting one.

Indeed, you wonder whether that could open the door for Stefan Johansen to force his way back into the Fulham side, having once again demonstrated his ability at Championship level on loan at QPR during the second-half of last season.

QPR are said to be keen to re-sign Johansen permanently, but you wonder whether that situation in midfield mean Fulham may want to keep the Norwegian around at Craven Cottage, for the start of the season at least.

LW: Ivan Cavaleiro
Further forward, one player who it could be argued may have something of a point to prove this season, is Ivan Cavaleiro.

The Portuguese attacker could only manage three goals in the Premier League last season despite some promising showings, in comparison to his six goals and seven assists in the Championship the season before.

That return at second-tier is something that Fulham may well be keen to take advantage of during the coming campaign, and with three years remaining on his contract at Craven Cottage, the club are in a strong position to retain Cavaleiro's services for next season at least.

CAM: Tom Cairney
Having missed a huge chunk of last season due to injury, Tom Cairney will no doubt be relishing getting back to action when the new campaign starts, and Fulham will likely be desperate to get him back as well.

The proven attacking quality that Cairney provides from midfield, not to mention his leadership abilities as the club captain, will both have been sorely missed by the Cottagers, and it will undoubtedly be a boost for them to have him available again.

West Ham have been credited with an interest in the 30-year-old, but Fulham will no doubt be keen to keep him, and with three years remaining on Cairney's current contract, the Cottagers are in a strong position to do that.

RW: Bobby Decordova-Reid
Another player who may well be being touted for an important role by Fulham ahead of the new season, is Bobby Decordova-Reid.

Despite only scoring five league goals last season, Decordova-Reid was still the club's top scorer in the Premier League during the campaign, and you would imagine that Fulham will want to exploit that attacking threat in the coming campaign.

Indeed, Decordova-Reid has also shown his eye for goal in the Championship in the past, and you feel his experience and ability to drive forward at that level has the potential to make him a useful asset for Fulham next season.

CF: Taiwo Awoniyi
Upfront, the big question for Fulham could be how they replace Aleksandar Mitrovic, with the striker reportedly keen to leave Craven Cottage this summer, amid reported interest from the likes of Italian giants Roma.

Should the Serbian move on in the coming weeks, then a potential candidate to fill his boots leading the line is Taiwo Awoniyi, with Fulham one of a number of clubs who have recently been credited with an interest in the Liverpool forward, who it is thought could be available for £8million this summer.

Last season, Awoniyi scored five goals and provided two assists in 22 games on loan with Union Berlin, helping the Bundesliga club secure qualification for the new UEFA Conference League, meaning he is a player who could be capable of making an impact in the Championship for the Cottagers.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/an-early-look-at-what-fulhams-xi-could-look-like-against-middlesbrough-on-the-opening-day/

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Middlesbrough line up ambitious move for forward who spent last season at Fulham

Middlesbrough are looking to secure an ambitious permanent transfer for Bordeaux striker Josh Maja, according to Chronicle Live.

Middlesbrough allowed both Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher to depart the club at the end of their contracts, meaning they are looking to sign replacements this summer.

They currently have just one senior striker at the club in Chuba Akpom, although the former Arsenal youngster has been told to find a new club in the coming months prior to the commencement of the season.

Maja is reportedly on Middlesbrough's radar and could look to pursue a deal to bring the Nigerian international to the Riverside.

He spent the latter half of last season on loan in the Premier League with Fulham, although the Cottagers turned down the chance to turn his loan into a permanent deal after they baulked at the £9 million asking price. He scored three goals in 10 appearances for Scott Parker's side.

His move to Bordeaux hasn't gone to plan, having played just 49 times in two years after making the switch from Middlesbrough's local rivals Sunderland. During that time he has scored 11  times but is now looking for regular playing time, potentially back in England.

The report states that if Middlesbrough were to move for Maja, Bordeaux would need to drop their asking price of £9 million.

Boro boss Neil Warnock is a big admirer of the 22-year-old with the veteran having attempted to sign Maja when he was in charge of Cardiff City, although nothing came to fruition. With his chairman's backing, he will be hoping he is more successful this time around.



https://the72.co.uk/240686/middlesbrough-line-up-ambitious-move-for-forward-who-spent-last-season-at-fulham/

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gone Jonathan Woodgate's Bournemouth exit confirmed with Scott Parker poised to join from Fulham

Jonathan Woodgate will leave Bournemouth when his contract expires with the club set to appoint Scott Parker as manager.

The former Real Madrid and Leeds defender replaced Jason Tindall in February on a short-term basis.

The Cherries reached the Championship play-offs, but were beaten by Brentford.

The club confirmed on Sunday that Woodgate, and first-team coach Joe Jordan, would leave the club when their contracts ran out on Wednesday.

"I cannot thank Jonathan enough for the job he has done over the past four-and-a-half months," said AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake.

"He came into the club at a difficult moment, was asked to take charge of the team very soon after arriving and did so with great maturity, providing the stability we needed at such a crucial time."

Bournemouth are keen on hiring current Fulham boss Parker as his replacement, as reported by talkSPORT earlier this month.

The Cottagers and Parker and are believed to be in talks about a mutual termination of his contract.

Fulham were relegated from the Premier League last season and the former midfielder still has two years left on his deal.

Sky Sports report that the two parties are likely to conclude their negotiations in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Fulham are understood to have already began their search for a new head coach.



https://talksport.com/football/efl/902813/

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Fulham reluctant to pay Steve Cooper compensation fee

Fulham are reluctant to pay Steve Cooper's compensation fee in order to bring him to Craven Cottage this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by Football League World, who claim that Shahid Khan is not currently prepared to pay the £3m compensation fee it would require to get Cooper out of his current contract with Swansea City.

Sky Sports reported on Sunday that Scott Parker is set to leave the west London side in the next 48 hours before taking over at Fulham's Championship rivals AFC Bournemouth, meaning that the Cottagers are set to be managerless with pre-season due to start in a matter of weeks.

While it is understandable that Khan may not want to pay such a large amount of money in order to appoint Parker's successor at Craven Cottage this summer, when taking into account Cooper's record in the Championship with Swansea, in addition to sorting out the managerial situation at Fulham well before pre-season starts and the transfer window ends, there should be enough evidence to convince the club's owner to cough up for the Swans boss.

Indeed, having taken over from a Graham Potter led Swansea side who had finished the previous campaign in 10th, Cooper has since guided the Welsh team to consecutive top-six finishes in the Championship, with improvements both in points and performance in the play-offs having been made each year.

The Welshman has also gained a reputation for developing young players, something that is undoubtedly helped by winning the U17 World Cup with England, as well as earning praise for the tactical diversity of his Swansea side.

And, with it seeming a near certainty that Parker will be moving onto pastures new this summer, considering Cooper's record, it could be easily argued that the 41-year-old is actually an upgrade on the outgoing Fulham coach, with his appointment appearing to do no harm at all to the Cottagers' hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League next season.

As such, if Khan does not pay up for the Swansea City manager this summer, and, for whatever reason, Fulham should fail in their promotion push next term, the owner's decision would undoubtedly be looked back on as one of his worst in his time at the club, as well as one that would leave fans fuming.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-transfer-news-manager-search-shahid-khan-scott-parker-steve-cooper-swansea-city-the-championship

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Significant development shared as Fulham identify successor to Scott Parker

Steve Cooper is set to be the new manager of Fulham as they prepare for Scott Parker's exit to Bournemouth.

The Cottagers are back in the Championship next season and it appears that they will be doing so without their current boss, who is poised to join the Cherries.

As a result, the Fulham hierarchy will already be searching for a successor and South London Press reporter Rich Cawley has revealed that it's 'extremely likely' that Cooper is going to leave Swansea to take over at Craven Cottage.

The former England youth coach has a good reputation in the game following his work with the national team at developing younger players, whilst he took the Welsh side to the play-off final last season.

That experience in the Championship will be attractive to key figures at Fulham as they target an immediate return to the Premier League.

Should the deal go through, it would leave Swansea on the lookout for a new boss, and they had been linked with Lincoln City chief Michael Appleton over the weekend.

The verdict

Parker's move to Bournemouth has been in the pipeline for some time, so it's given the Fulham board time to identify a replacement and it appears they've settled on Cooper.

Whilst there are some criticisms about the Swans chief, he does know the league, he will give opportunities to younger players and will fancy his chances at working for the Londoners, who will surely back him in the market as well.

From Swansea's perspective, it's far from ideal as they look ahead to pre-season and they will have to act swiftly to find a new boss.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/significant-development-shared-as-fulham-identify-scott-parker-successor/

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Tom Cairney: Sheffield United will be keeping tabs on how midfielder responds to unrest at his current club
Sheffield United will monitor Tom Cairney's response to the uncertainty surrounding Fulham's preparations for the new Championship season before deciding whether or not to test the Londoners' resolve to keep the midfielder.

Cairney worked under new United manager Slavisa Jokanovic during the Serb's spell in charge at Craven Cottage, and speaks in glowing terms about the 52-year-old's ability and qualities.

With Jokanovic's predecessor Scott Parker set to take charge of AFC Bournemouth, Fulham's plans for an immediate return to the Premier League face being thrown into disarray.

Although United are unlikely to meet the £10m valuation officials there have reportedly slapped on Cairney - particularly as he turned 30 in January - they could decide to try and broker a compromise if the Scotland international shows signs of growing unsettled in the capital.

Bolstering his options in the centre of the pitch is one of Jokanovic's top priorities this summer. Sander Berge, who is attracting interest from Napoli, Arsenal and Aston Villa, is set to depart after United also surrendered their PL status while John Lundstram's contract expires at the end of the month. The Liverpudlian, who is thought to feature on the wanted-lists of both Burnley and Rangers, refused the offer of a new deal before Jokanovic's appointment in May.

Cairney, who started his professional career with Hull City after being released by Leeds as a youngster, joined Fulham in 2015 following a spell with Blackburn Rovers.

He was a member of the squad Jokanovic led to promotion from the second tier in 2018 and has twice been named in the PFA Championship team of the year.



https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/tom-cairney-sheffield-united-will-be-keeping-tabs-on-how-midfielder-responds-to-unrest-at-his-current-club-3287994

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Bournemouth-bound Parker's Fulham exit set to be confirmed

Scott Parker's departure from Fulham is expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours.

Parker, 40, is set to leave Craven Cottage and take over as manager of Bournemouth.

The south coast club confirmed on Sunday that Jonathan Woodgate, who has been in interim charge since February, will leave when his contract at Bournemouth expires at the end of the month.

Parker ended his playing career with a four-year spell at Fulham and returned to the club as a coach in 2018.

He took charge following the sacking of Claudio Ranieri and was unable to keep the Whites in the Premier League but led them to promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt.

However, Fulham were relegated to the Championship after just one season and will start life back in the second tier with a new manager.

There have been tensions behind the scenes, with Parker sometimes disagreeing with director of football operations Tony Khan.

Bournemouth have long been keen to install Parker, who won 37 of his 105 matches as Fulham boss.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/bournemouth-bound-parkers-fulham-exit-set-to-be-confirmed

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Neil Lennon among bookmakers' favourites to land vacant manager's job at Fulham

Lennon has been out of work since February but could soon make a return in the English Championship

Neil Lennon is among the favourites to take over the vacant manager's job at Fulham this summer.

The English Championship side are looking to bounce straight back from Premier League relegation last season, but they'll do it without previous boss Scott Parker, who looks set to take the reins at rivals Bournemouth.

And that could open the door for Lennon, who has been out of work since resigning as Celtic manager on February 24 following a pretty disastrous campaign at Parkhead.

According to BettingOdds.com, Lennon is priced at just 6/1 to land the top job at Craven Cottage, with only Chris Wilder and Steve Cooper ahead of him in the list of potential candidates.

He might've endured a rotten season most recently with the Hoops but Lennon has proved himself capable of winning trophies in Scottish football, with the 50-year-old claiming five Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and one League Cup in his career so far, as well as the 2012 SPL Manager of the Year Award.

It remains to be seen whether or not Lennon has what it takes to win promotion from an ultra-competitive Championship but Fulham will undoubtedly be one of the favourites to win promotion, regardless of who their new manager is, thanks to the backing of billionaire owner Shahid Khan.



https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/neil-lennon-among-bookmakers-favourites-20916426

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21/22 Season Tickets: Deadline Today! ⏰

Supporters have until 5pm today, Monday 28th June, to renew their existing Season Ticket seat and purchase at their exclusive price for the 2021/22 campaign.

HOW TO BUY

    Online at tickets.fulhamfc.com anytime. Seat(s) which are available to renew will be listed under Your Reserved Tickets.
    By Phone on 0203 871 0810, with lines re-opening at 9am on Monday 28th June
    For further enquiries, supporters can contact the Ticket Office via email on [email protected]

Followng the 5pm deadline, existing Season Ticket Holder pricing and previous seats are no longer guaranteed. Further information around seat move windows will also be communicated at this time.

For more information, please visit the Club's Season Ticket pages online.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/june/21-22-Season-Tickets-Deadline-Today-/