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Thursday fulham Stuff - 15/07/21...

Started by WhiteJC, July 15, 2021, 08:30:24 AM

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WhiteJC

Fulham and Bournemouth set to battle to sign Swansea City captain Matt Grimes as midfielder enters the final year of his contract

    Fulham and Bournemouth are showing an interest in Swansea's Matt Grimes
    The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his contract in south Wales
    Premier League sides Southampton and Newcastle have also shown interest

Fulham and Bournemouth are showing an interest in Swansea City captain Matt Grimes.

The 25-year old midfielder, who has also attracted interest from Premier League Southampton and Newcastle, has one year left on his contract and is recognised as one of the most consistent performers in the Championship.

Bournemouth are looking for a defensive midfielder with Jefferson Lerma attracting interest from Valencia among others and keen to leave.


Fulham and Bournemouth are showing an interest in Swansea City captain Matt Grimes

However, his pending six match suspension, for allegedly biting Sheffield Wednesday's Josh Windass, has hindered some discussions with would-be suitors.

Bournemouth boss Scott Parker is a fan of Grimes but is also aware that his former club Fulham are keen on the ex England U21 international.


Grimes made 51 appearances for Swansea last season and scored five goals

Fulham had Mario Lemina on loan from Southampton last season but he is in talks over a £4m move to Nice in France after seeing talks over a move to Newcastle falter.

Grimes made 51 appearances for Swansea last season and scored five goals.




https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9787243/Fulham-Bournemouth-set-battle-sign-Swansea-City-captain-Matt-Grimes.html

WhiteJC

Fulham dealt blow in Siriki Dembele pursuit

Fulham have been dealt a blow to their chances of bringing Siriki Dembele to Craven Cottage this summer.

What's been said?

That's according to a claim made by Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry, who revealed in a recent interview with Transfer Tavern that he is unwilling to sell the centre-forward on the cheap in the summer transfer window.

A number of clubs, including Fulham, have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old this summer, with it previously being reported that a bid of £5m should be enough to begin negotiations with the Posh striker.

However, if Fry's latest comments are anything to go by, this would now appear to be an unrealistic outcome, with the 76-year-old stating:

"He's a talented boy and just because he's in his last year, people think we'll sell. We won't.

"We've got a better chance of retaining our Championship status with Jonson Clarke-Harris and Dembele in our side than not. It's got to be substantial figures for either of them or we'll just let Dembele go for nothing in a year.

"If he keeps us up, it's worth £15million to us. It's well worth it."

Silva surely gutted

Considering just how impressive Dembele was for Peterborough last season, the fact that a deal for the forward may not be attainable this summer is sure to have left Silva gutted.

Indeed, over his 42 League One appearances for Darren Ferguson's side last term, the £2.6k-per-week man scored 11 goals, registered 10 assists and created a whopping 17 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots and making 1.5 key passes per game.

These returns saw the man Ferguson dubbed an "outstanding" player earn a seasonal Sofascore match rating of 7.06, ranking him as Peterborough's joint seventh-best player in the third tier of English football.

As such, it would very much appear as if Dembele would have made a fantastic addition to Silva's attacking arsenal at Craven Cottage this summer, although a deal this summer now seems to be incredibly unlikely.

However, with Fry suggesting that the 24-year-old could leave the Weston Homes Stadium for nothing in 12 months time, perhaps a season in the Championship will actually do the forward wonders in terms of his development, with Fulham potentially being able to land the more experienced hitman for free next summer.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-transfer-news-siriki-dembele-peterborough-united-barry-fry-marco-silva-the-championship

WhiteJC

Fulham eye Grimes move

Fulham may have to battle former boss Scott Parker to secure the signature of Swansea City skipper Matt Grimes, according to a Daily Mail report this morning.

Grimes has entered the final year of his contract at the Liberty Stadium and both Championship sides are keen to supplement their midfield options before the start of the new season. Bournemouth are eyeing potential replacements for Jefferson Lerma, while Fulham are particularly keen to add to their numbers in central midfielder after Mario Lemina's loan spell from Southampton came to an end this summer. The 25 year-old is widely regarded as one of the Championship's most consistent midfield operators and has made 124 appearances since signing from Exeter City in 2015.




https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/07/fulham-eye-grimes-move/


WhiteJC

Genk confident of signing Chelsea striker Ike Ugbo

Genk are reportedly leading the race to sign Chelsea striker Ike Ugbo this summer.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan with Belgian top-flight club Cercle Brugge, registering 17 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions.

He played a key role in them avoiding relegation. Brugge had the option to sign him permanently but opted against the deal as Ugbo wanted a new challenge.

It was previously suggested that Watford or Fulham could sign the Englishman, but it now appears that he could be set for a permanent move abroad.

Besiktas, PSV and Feyenoord have expressed an interest, but reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Genk are confident of landing his services.

Sportslens view:

Earlier in April, Watford were in negotiations with Ugbo, but it appears unlikely that they will sign him after recruiting Emmanuel Dennis, Ashley Fletcher and Joshua King.

The Cottagers have also been credited with an interest recently, but Championship football may not appeal to the striker at the current phase of his career.

Genk are one of the most successful clubs in Belgium, and they could be playing in the Champions League group stage next term if they win two qualifying ties.

Ugbo gained valuable experience playing in the Belgian top-tier last season, and he could relish the prospect of returning to familiar surroundings.

The striker is likely to push for a permanent exit from the European champions, having failed to make a single competitive appearance for them.

He has been with the Blues since the age of eight. He has watched several of his former teammates make the grade while he has been out on loan.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com



https://sportslens.com/genk-confident-of-signing-chelsea-striker-ike-ugbo/372472/

WhiteJC

3 qualities 25-y/o midfielder would bring to Fulham if he seals transfer

Fulham are being linked with a number of players this summer as Marco Silva looks to add to his squad before the new Championship season begins.

Silva knows his task is to get the Cottagers to challenge for promotion this campaign coming and he will be looking to make the additions needed to ensure they achieve that.

As per the Daily Mail, then, Matt Grimes is on his radar as the Cottagers look to add to their midfield, with Grimes impressing at Swansea in recent seasons under Steve Cooper.

What could he bring to the Cottage, though? We take a look at three things...

Passing range
One of Grimes' most impressive features is his ability to mix up his passing, knowing when to hit it long and spring direct, quick attacks or when to play it short and build a bit more methodically.

He hit 3.5 long balls per game on average last season for the Swans, compared to Harrison Reed at 1.5 and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa at 1.1.

Fulham were criticised for over-playing under Scott Parker so having someone like Grimes who knows when to shift the ball forward could help move on from that tag.

Good reading of the game
Grimes is a clever player that is able to snuff out opposing attacks before trying to spring his own for his team.

Last year he achieved, 2 tackles per game on average, 1.4 interceptions and 1.3 clearances – similar figures to both Anguissa and Reed who top score for Fulham's midfielders in these verticals having both played over 25 times in the Premier League last year.

Clearly, Grimes is a player capable of doing the dirty work as well.

Promotion challenging experience
Fulham have lots of players that know what it takes to challenge for promotion but there's always room for more and Grimes possesses that.

Swansea may not have got over the line in recent years but they've made the play-offs the last two seasons and that in itself is an achievement in the Championship.

Should Grimes move to Fulham, he'll be eager to make it third time lucky from his own point of view.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-qualities-25-y-o-midfielder-would-bring-to-fulham-if-he-seals-transfer/

WhiteJC


Fulham linked striker 'set' for permanent Chelsea departure – Belgian club in pole position

Fulham's reported target Ike Ugbo is poised to complete a move away from Chelsea this summer.



Trusted reporter Fabrizio Romano provided an update on Ugbo's situation on Wednesday, stating that Chelsea are poised to offload the forward on a permanent basis this summer.

Championship outfit Fulham were said keen on the 23-year-old earlier this summer. However, rumours are yet to develop into anything serious.

Now, Romano has revealed that Belgium looks to be the striker's most likely destination.

The Sky Sports reporter has said that KRC Genk are likely to win the race for Ugbo's signature this summer.

A host of other sides have been credited with interest in the former MK Dons loan man ahead of the new season. Turkish outfit Besiktas have also been said keen on the striker, while Dutch duo PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord are also mentioned.

Ugbo has enjoyed a prolific season loan in Belgium with Cercle Brugge. He managed 17 goals in 34 outings for the club, also chipping in with one assist.

He has previously spent time on loan in the EFL, enduring stints with the earlier mentioned MK Dons, Barnsley and Scunthorpe United.

Thoughts?

After such an impressive season in Belgium's top-flight, it comes as no surprise to see Ugbo is attracting plenty of interest.

As Marco Silva prepares his side for the Championship, the Chelsea academy graduate could have proved to be an interesting acquisition.

However, he has struggled to impress in his previous stints in the EFL, so Fulham will likely be better off looking elsewhere.




https://the72.co.uk/242172/fulham-linked-striker-set-for-permanent-chelsea-departure-belgian-club-in-pole-position/


WhiteJC

Ream's raring to go

Tim Ream can't wait for the start of the new Championship season – and says the Fulham squad have been reenergised by the approach of new manager Marco Silva.

The experienced American centre back – fresh from winning the CONCACAF Nations' League with the USA over the summer – told FulhamFCTV this afternoon that he has really enjoyed the early days working under Silva at Motspur Park.

"It's been fantastic. All of the guys have been really receptive to his ideas, his thoughts, his way of playing. I think guys are excited and everyone's been showing it in training. It's been intense, but there are days that we've scaled it back a little bit and really worked on ideas and patterns, defensive shape and a lot of the small things, basic things and building blocks. His communication is everything. He walks around and talks to guys individually – has been top notch.

"I think the biggest thing is just to play with a smile on your face. He wants us to enjoy our football, but he also wants us to focus. It's okay to have a smile, have a laugh, joke afraid a bit – and I think he keeps things a little bit loose, keeps it light but when the whistle blows and we're doing certain possessions or certain drills, guys are focused in and intense."

Ream, 33, knows exactly what to expect from the Championship – having been promoted twice with Fulham previously – and believes the squad has what it takes to clinch an immediate return to the top flight.

"The Championship's a grind. It's 46 games, plus your Cup games. Seven or eight guys will be going away for internationals – so it is more travel and more games. It's difficult. It is an experienced squad at this level and we know what it takes to get out of it. Some of us have done it multiple times, some of us have done it once. T



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/07/reams-raring-to-go/

WhiteJC

Newcastle United Offered A Chance To Land This Southampton Midfielder: Good Fit For Bruce?

In a recent report, The Daily Mail revealed that Newcastle United have been offered a chance to land Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina this summer. It is believed that the Magpies will have to give up Isaac Hayden if they want to land the Saints midfield ace during this summer transfer period (via The Daily Mail).

Lemina's Solid Season At Craven Cottage Recently

Lemina had a long and grueling season while on loan at Fulham as he struggled to help them avoid relegation to the EFL Championship. The Gabon international scored one goal and provided one assist in 30 matches for the London outfit in the previous campaign in various competitions.

The 27-year-old caught the eye by averaging 2.2 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 0.7 clearances, 0.7 shots and 0.9 dribbles per game in the 2020-21 Premier League season. He even distributed possession with a lot of conviction after completing 83.5% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).

At 27, Lemina is at the peak of his playing career and could prove to be a shrewd signing for the Magpies during this summer transfer window. He has shown some signs of maturity during his loan spell at Craven Cottage, so Steve Bruce would be wise to get him on board in this off-season.

Will Lemina Be A Good Fit For The Magpies?

Lemina is a tough-tackling midfielder who can time his tackles well to make a few important interceptions at the back. He doesn't take too many chances with his clearances and is usually a tidy passer of the ball in midfield. Lemina is primarily a defensive midfielder but can even fill in as a right-back if needed.

Hence, the 19-time Gabon international could prove to be a clever acquisition for the Magpies as he will add plenty of bite and steel to their midfield. He will offer some serious competition for Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff for the right to start in Bruce's first XI next season.

Lemina could even serve as a good utility player at St. James' Park if the Tyneside giants can find a way to bring him to the northeast of England ahead of the new campaign. With all things considered, the Saints midfield ace will be a decent fit for Newcastle even if Bruce has to give up Isaac Hayden to land him this summer.



https://the4thofficial.net/2021/07/newcastle-united-offered-a-chance-to-land-lemina/

WhiteJC

Youthful Fulham U23s held at Slough

A young Fulham under 23s side were held to a 1-1 draw by National League South side Slough Town in their first pre-season outing at Arbour Park this evening.

Though it was billed as an under-23 eleven, Fulham offered plenty of opportunities to many of the youngsters who had defending their Premier League South under-18 title successfully last season. The Scottish centre back pairing that had been the linchpins of that campaign – Ibane Bowat and Conor McAvoy – started this contest, with Luke Harris, Ollie O'Neill and Kieron Bowie all given the opportunity to step up as well.

The evening started poorly, however, when a poor ball from Bowat was seized upon by former Reading midfielder Aaron Kuhl, who raced through on goal and tucked a cool finish past the helpless Taye Ashby-Hammond. Fulham struggled to play fluent football initially although Harris and O'Neill gradually became more influential. The pair combined for Fulham's equaliser eight minutes before the break with O'Neill delivering a teasing cross from the left which Harris, who enjoyed a stellar breakthrough season with the under 18's last term, guided home from close range.

The Whites introduced George Wickens, Stefan Parkes, Idris Odutayo, Matt Dibley-Dias, Michael Olakigbe and Olly Sanderson after the interval and they continued to carve out good chances against their hosts. Harris had a snapshot bravely blocked and the lively Dibley-Dias drilled an effort wide. Another O'Neill saunter down the left flank fashioned a great opportunity for Olakigbe but he contrived to miss the target from close range.

The younger winger wasn't daunted by that miss as a storming run down the right was followed by a clever cutback for Dibley-Dias but the midfielder couldn't get enough power behind his shot. Fulham did spurn a glorious chance to win it late on when Dibley-Dias was felled in the penalty area but Jonathan North made a smart save low to his right to keep out Sanderson's spot-kick.

The under 23s head to Bromley on Saturday as their pre-season preparations gather pace.

SLOUGH TOWN (4-5-1): North; Fraser, Grant, Hollis, Nisbe; W. Harris, Worsfold, Hunt, Davies, Kuhl; Lawal. Subs: Pegg, George, Smith, Okorogheye, Hodges.

GOAL: Kuhl (14).

FULHAM UNDER 23s (4-2-3-1): T. Ashby-Hammond (Wickens 45); D'Auria-Henry (McAvoy 68), Larkeche (Parkes 45), McAvoy (Araujo 61), Bowat (Odutayo 45); Page (Lanquedoc 61), L. Harris (Page 78); Pajaziti (Dibley-Dias 45), O'Neill, Ablade (Olakigbe 45); Bowie (Sanderson 45).

GOAL: L. Harris (37).




https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/07/youthful-fulham-u23s-held-at-slough/


WhiteJC

'Could be a super piece of business' – Fulham targeting 25-year-old Swansea man: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Fulham are set to battle with Championship rivals AFC Bournemouth in an attempt to sign Swansea City captain Matt Grimes, per the Daily Mail.


The 25-year-old has helped lead the Swans to two successive play-off finishes in the Championship and this year they fell at the final hurdle against Brentford at Wembley.

Grimes' performances throughout the campaign though did not go unnoticed and a host of teams are weighing up whether or not to take advantage of the fact that he has less than one year remaining on his current contract at the Liberty Stadium.

Fulham have a number of midfielders in their squad but the futures of the likes of Harrison Reid and Andre Zambo-Anguissa remain uncertain as there's bound to be interest from Premier League clubs.

So would Grimes be a good fit for the Cottagers? The FLW team have had their say on the matter.

Alfie Burns

This could be a super piece of business for Fulham to conduct this summer.

Grimes has really grown under Steve Cooper at Swansea, with his performances levels rarely dropping over the course of the last two seasons.

The midfielder offers composure on the ball, setting the right tempo for a performance in the Championship, whilst mixing that with strong reading of the game to protect a defence.

Fulham are probably going to have to evolve their midfield options stepping back into the Championship and this deal would go a long way to doing that.

It would also be a little bit of a statement too. Swansea, after two years of challenging for promotion, will hope to be contenders and rivals to Fulham in 2021/22.

Picking up their captain would show Fulham mean business.

George Dagless

This could be a really tidy signing, yes.

I think Grimes is a really good footballer and more than has the quality to take on board Marco Silva's approach at Fulham and translate it into performances on the pitch.

He's very good on the ball, understands the game well in the middle of the park and is the sort of player Fulham could potentially need for that area of the pitch if certain other players end up leaving the club.

Of course, Fulham will want to keep as many members of their squad as they can and still add Grimes to it but if there are some exits, signing a player of Grimes' class should soften the blow considerably.

Sam Rourke

There is no denying this'd be a good signing for the Cottagers.

Grimes has proven to be a classy operator at second tier level and was a pivotal reason behind Swansea's recent push for promotion via the play-offs.

With there speculation over the futures of Cairney, Reed and Anguissa in that Fulham midfield, it seems to me that they will need to enhance the middle of the park and in Grimes you've got a player who should slot comfortably in the midfield.

He's proven his leadership qualities at the Swans with him being the side's captain whilst his quality on the ball and range of passing is what stands out with the former Leeds man.

Grimes is tenacious and energetic and isn't afraid to do the dirty work in midfield, so if you want an all-round midfielder, Grimes is a solid solution.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/could-be-a-super-piece-of-business-fulham-targeting-25-year-old-swansea-man-the-verdict/