Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 31/08/21...

[WhiteJC]

Bids are already in for Matt Grimes, but are they enough ?

News broke late last night regards Matt Grimes and his future at Swansea City. Despite an agreement with Fulham the swans captain is still on a variety of clubs wish lists. And Swansea City know all about it. Sadly Grimes doesn't see the swans as a 100% certainty for his next big three year contract, and today Grimes is hedging his bets on a far bigger financial move. He has thirty six hours or so to make his mind up.

It isn't likely Grimes will leave Swansea, he doesn't have to. And the bids already known to Julian Winter have to be well above the touted 1.5 million. He could stay at Swansea, run his contract down and walk away a free man next summer. However, our sources are very clear on his position. He is waiting to see what happens over the next two days before deciding what to do. And even then he may just do nothing. Swans fans have always been split on Matt Grimes, some love his style of play, others are not so enamoured. The club has stuck by him through thick and thin, loaning him out, getting him fit, recognising his potential, and embracing his families desire for him to be treated in the right way. Numerous Swansea City managers have been witness to the external pressure that has come from Grimes close knit family involvement in his career. This morning Matt Grimes can't lose, he can stay as Swansea City captain with an admiring manager in Russell Martin, maybe even sign a new contract in his own time before next summer. On the other hand, and this is most certainly what he is doing - he can sit tight and see who comes in for him before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening.

Matt Grimes can't lose, it could be this summers mantra. He can bag himself that lucrative move with three clubs today very interested in signing him. All of them are Championship rivals. If not he can wait a while, and his agents can negotiate something even more lucrative come next June or even in January. No fee to pay means more money for the player and the agent.

For us, this is what we know, a solid fee has been talked about for Matt Grimes to leave Swansea. It has been talked about last week, last month and the month before. Grimes and his representatives knows who those clubs are, and he knows at this time of the season more money can be squeezed from any club. As time ticks down to the end of the transfer window. It's a simple strategy, and hardly difficult to understand.

However, he also should remember this. Steve Cooper thought his stock was high at the end of last season, he was interviewed and cast aside by both Fulham and Crystal Palace. There are always alternatives. It is our belief that Fulham's interest in Grimes cooled when Cooper was clearly not the man for them. Without Cooper being able to bring in Grimes his appointment became almost impossible. Well, money talks. And we will see that today and tomorrow. One Steve Cooper, without the other, Matt Grimes meant the whole thing wasn't going to happen. Fulham didn't have the time to waste on appointing their next manager. That's not to say they aren't still going to have a rethink, Cooper has long gone, and Grimes is still available.

There will be offers for Grimes today, and there will be offers for two other established Swansea City players too. Talk won't be cheap over the next two days, and any club wanting any of Swansea City's prized assets will have to be very clear, none of them will come cheap. Especially Matt Grimes.



https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/swanseacity/news/55651/bids-are-already-in-for-matt-grimes-but-are-they-enough-

[WhiteJC]

Sheffield United and Fulham keen on Peterborough United's Siriki Dembele

Sheffield United and Fulham are keen on Peterborough United attacker Siriki Dembele, according to reporter Darren Witcoop on Twitter (see tweet below).

Sheffield United keen on Peterborough’s Siriki Dembele but need to offload players first. Fulham also watching developments before deadline day #sheffieldunitedfc #fulhamfc #peterboroughfc

— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) August 30, 2021

Peterborough United could face a battle to keep hold of the winger before the end of the transfer window.

Dembele, who is 24-years-old, only has a year left on his contract at London Road.

Sheffield United are said to be interested but would need to offload some players first, whilst Fulham are apparently keeping tabs on the situation.

Key player
Dembele joined Peterborough in 2018 from Grimsby Town and has been a key player for the Posh over the past three years in League One.

The pacey wide man has played 126 times in all competitions since his move and has scored 27 goals to help them return to the Championship now.

Career to date
He had spells as a youngster with Dundee United, Ayr United and the Nike Football Academy before Grimsby took a gamble on him in May 2017.

Demeble spent the 2017/18 season with the Mariners in League Two and scored four goals in 37 matches to earn a move to Peterborough.

What now?
Sheffield United and Fulham are being linked and could try and tempt Peterborough into selling him before the end of the window tomorrow.

The Blades have been lacking creativity going forward and he would be a useful addition for Slavisa Jokanovic's side if they were able to lure him to Yorkshire.



https://the72.co.uk/248709/sheffield-united-and-fulham-keen-on-peterborough-uniteds-siriki-dembele/

[WhiteJC]

High-profile Fulham exit on the cards as player set for medical elsewhere

Napoli are close to completing the signing of Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

Anguissa looks set to depart Craven Cottage on loan before the end of the transfer window, with Napoli set to have an option to make the move permanent.

The midfielder is set to undergo a medical over in Italy as he looks to add the finishing touches to a move away from London, as per Di Marzio.

Anguissa moved to Fulham in the summer of 2018, arriving from Marseille in a deal believed to be in the region of £22.3million.

After spending 2019/20 on loan in Villarreal following Fulham's relegation to the Championship, Anguissa made 36 appearances in the Premier League last season.

But once again, Fulham were relegated to the second tier, and Anguissa has since played only 77 minutes of Championship football since dropping down a division.

Anguissa now looks set to bring his spell at Craven Cottage to an end, with the Serie A side closing in on his signature.

The Verdict

This is probably the right move for both parties in all fairness.

You can say what you want about Anguissa, but he doesn't want to play in the Championship it seems, which suggests a lot about his mentality.

He is likely to be on high wages given the fee they paid for him, so getting those off the books could be beneficial from a financial perspective going forward.

It's a good move for him, and it brings a fairly up and down spell at Fulham to an end.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/high-profile-fulham-exit-on-the-cards-as-player-set-for-medical/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham in talks with Napoli over Anguissa deal

Fulham are in talks with Napoli over the possible sale of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa to the Italian club.

Napoli have made an approach to take the Cameroon international, 25, on loan with a view to a permanent move next summer.

Fulham would rather agree a sale or a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

Anguissa moved to Craven Cottage from Marseille in the summer of 2018 in a deal worth around £23m.

The following year he joined Villarreal on a season-long loan after the Whites' relegation from the Premier League.

And with Fulham back in the Championship again, he looks set to move on.

He has made three appearances for Marco Silva's side this season – all of them as a substitute.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-in-talks-with-napoli-over-anguissa-deal

[WhiteJC]

Fulham lodge second bid for Matt Grimes but Swansea City hold firm

The Swans skipper has been the subject of protracted interest from the Cottagers this summer


Matt Grimes of Swansea City is a transfer target for Fulham (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Fulham have reportedly had a £2.5m offer for Matt Grimes rejected by Swansea City.

The Cottagers have long been admirers of the Swans skipper, having tabled a first bid earlier in the window.

It has been a summer of turmoil for the Swans, with manager Steve Cooper having left the club as well as a number of key players such as Andre Ayew, Marc Guehi and Freddie Woodman departing.

So keeping hold of their captain is seen as a priority if they are to get their Championship campaign on track under new boss Russell Martin.

But Fulham have sought to test the club's resolve for the second time in this window, according to The Athletic, with the club having lodged a second bid for the central midfielder.

The 26-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at the Liberty Stadium, which puts the Swans in a difficult position as they could be forced to allow the player to leave for free next term.

The report adds that it is as yet unknown whether the west London club will come in again for a third time before Tuesday's 11pm transfer deadline.

Club sources have previously admitted to WalesOnline that there was growing pessimism over the chances of keeping Grimes in SA1, with the chances of the player signing a new deal at the club believed to be slim.

Grimes has so far played in all but one of Swansea's games this season - the League Cup win over Plymouth Argyle.t

When asked earlier this month whether it was likely Grimes would stay beyond the summer window, Martin replied: "I hope so. I think there's a chance.

"I think the fact he loves the club so much, loves being here so much is something we can't take for granted.

"I think we've walked in and he's looked at it and gone 'this is probably going to suit me, the way they want to play, and I can be quite an important person in it'.

"The first thing to point out is he's not in any rush to leave. He's in the last year of his contract, that's just the position he finds himself in, he's not forcing a move, he's not in there saying he's not going to play, he's completely committed, so anything outside of that is up to his agent to deal with which is what they're there for so the players can focus on football.

"We're talking to them at the moment to see what we can make happen, what works for him and what works for us.

"And if there is a time when we can shake hands on something that works for everyone, brilliant, if not we just have to wait and see what happens then."



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-lodge-second-bid-matt-21434338

[WhiteJC]

Sources: Fulham confident of securing £3m agreement with Swansea City before transfer deadline

Fulham remain confident of striking a deal in the region of £3million with Swansea City for midfielder Matt Grimes, sources have exclusively told Football League World.

Grimes has been strongly linked with a move away from Swansea this summer, with his deal at the Liberty Stadium up at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old, who is the Swans' captain, made 51 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring five goals and chipping in with four assists from midfield.

The Athletic reported last night that Swansea had rejected a £2.5million bid from Fulham for Grimes, with no indication over whether the Cottagers would return with a new offer for the player.

But sources have now exclusively told Football League World that Fulham remain confident of completing a deal for Grimes before the transfer window closes, in the region of around £3million.

There is understood to be an expectancy between all concerned parties that a deal will be struck, with Grimes' future in South Wales looking uncertain.

Fulham are on the lookout for midfield reinforcements before tomorrow's deadline, with Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa reportedly set for a move to Napoli with a medical scheduled.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sources-fulham-confident-of-securing-3m-agreement-with-swansea-city-before-transfer-deadline/

[WhiteJC]

U18s: Fulham 4-1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa fell to a 4-1 loss at Fulham in the Under-18 Premier League South on Saturday.

The Young Lions levelled matters midway through the first half courtesy of Tommi O'Reilly's fine strike but duly found themselves 2-1 down at the interval.

And a second-half brace from Olly Sanderson at Motspur Park ensured the unbeaten Cottagers wrapped up a third successive victory at the start of the new season.

The defeat leaves the Young Lions with three points from their first three matches, with a home clash against Crystal Palace next up following the international break.

Michael Olakigbe put the hosts ahead from close range early on before O'Reilly drew Villa level, firing home left-footed from the edge of the penalty area after patient build-up play.

However, parity lasted just two minutes before Jaylan Wildbore restored Fulham's narrow advantage, which remained intact heading into half-time.

Sanderson then put the Cottagers in command with two goals inside 12 minutes midway through the second period.

His first came from six yards, tapping home a rebound after Oliwier Zych had tipped Delano McCoy-Splatt's long-range strike on to a post, before slotting home a second to inflict defeat on the Villans.

Fulham U18: McNally, Robinson, Tanton, Antonsson (de Fougerolles 69'), Okkas, Wildbore (Parker 74'), Araujo, Lanquedoc, Olakigbe, Sanderson (Loupalo-Bi 80'), McCoy-Splatt.

Subs: Caton, Allen.

Aston Villa U18: Zych, Munroe, Ealing, McBride (Pierre 72'), Barber, Burchall, Aaron O'Reilly, Afoka (Moore 45'), Hart, Sewell, Tommi O'Reilly (Alcock 78').

Subs: Wright, Softley.



https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2021/august/U18s-Fulham-4-1-Aston-Villa/

[WhiteJC]

Club 'received green light' from Fulham to sign Silva's man – Player to arrive for medical in 'next few hours'

Napoli are showing interest to sign Fulham midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa in the final two days of the summer window.

On Sunday evening, Sky Italia reported the Serie A side identified the midfielder as a target following their unsuccessful attempt to sign Cagliari's Nahitan Nández.

Sky said the Naples club have made an offer to Marco Silva's side after finding an agreement with Anguissa.

Luciano Spalletti's side want to sign the 25-year-old on a loan deal with the right of redemption set at €10m, but the Cottagers prefer to insert the 'obligation to redeem'.

Another Italian website, Calciomercato, now state Napoli have 'received a green light' from the Championship side to conclude the Cameroon international's transfer.

Having reached an agreement with the player, Napoli convinced Fulham to accept their formula to sign Anguissa on loan with the right of redemption of €10m.

In the 'next few hours', Anguissa is expected to arrive in Italy for his medical tests and then sign a contract with his new club.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-received-green-light-fulham-sign-silvas-man-player-arrive-medical-next-hours/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham set to lose Andre Zambo Anguissa

Fulham central midfielder Andre Zambo Anguissa is set to leave Craven Cottage this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, with the journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that the 25-year-old looks on course to join Serie A side Napoli, with a deal expected to be announced in the coming hours.

Romano continued by stating that an agreement between the Cottagers and Napoli has been reached, with the move thought to initially be a season-long loan deal, with the Italian side having an option to buy the Cameroon international next summer.

Finally, the journalist claimed that the midfielder is due to have a medical in Italy today, and, all being well, will become a Gli Azzurri player shortly afterwards.

In his tweet, Romano said: "Fulham midfielder Andre Zambo Anguissa is set to join Napoli, done deal. The agreement has been reached on loan with buy option – deal to be announced in the next hours. Medical today in Italy, Anguissa will play for Napoli."

Silva will be gutted

With Marco Silva having publically stated his desire to retain the services of Anguissa beyond the closure of the summer transfer window on Tuesday, the fact that the club look to have sanctioned the 25-year-old's departure is sure to have left the Cottagers manager gutted.

It is clear to see why the 44-year-old had hoped to keep the midfielder in west London this season, as the £22.5m-rated man demonstrated his importance within the Fulham side in the club's Premier League campaign last term.

Indeed, over his 36 Premier League appearances last season, Angussia made an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.2 tackles, 0.4 clearances and won a whopping 7.3 duels per game.

The £70k-per-week midfielder also impressed in a creative capacity, providing three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, along with making an average of 0.8 key passes per league fixture.

These metrics saw the Cameroonian earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as the Cottagers' 10th-best performer in the top flight of English football.

Angussia has continued this fine form into the club's Championship campaign this time out, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.87 over his three substitute appearances for Silva's side this season.

As such, the departure of the midfielder is sure to come as a blow to the Portuguese manager, who will now undoubtedly be frantically searching for a replacement for the 25-year-old over what remains of the summer transfer window.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-ffc-the-cottagers-transfer-news-andre-frank-zambo-anguissa-fabrizio-romano-marco-silva-napoli-the-championship

[WhiteJC]

Fulham agree to loan Everton and Valencia target Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa to Napoli with £9m option to buy as they ponder fresh bid for Swansea's Matt Grimes

    Napoli agreed a loan deal with an option to buy for around £9million with Fulham
    Anguissa impressed last season attracting interest from Everton and Valencia
    The midfielder is due in Naples today ahead of a medical before joining the club
    Fulham are also targeting a new midfielder and have made offers for Matt Grimes

Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa is closing on a move to Napoli.

The Italian side have agreed a loan deal with Fulham with the option to make it permanent for around £9million.

The move represents a big opportunity for the 25-year-old, who impressed on his return to the Premier League last season and had attracted attention from Everton and Valencia.

Fulham agree to loan Everton and Valencia target Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa to Napoli with £9m option to buy as they ponder fresh bid for

Anguissa is due in Naples today ahead of a medical before signing for Luciano Spalletti's side.


Midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa is closing in on a loan move to Napoli from Fulham


The 25-year-old (right) impressed last season attracting interest from Everton and Valencia

Napoli had targeted Chelsea's Tiemoue Bakayoko but he is now joining AC Milan and Spalletti is understood to be pleased they have managed to bring in a midfielder of Anguissa's calibre.

Fulham are trying to add a new midfielder themselves but have so far been rebuffed in their bids to sign Matt Grimes from Swansea City.

The Craven Cottage club had a £2.5m offer rejected at the weekend and are weighing up an improved offer for the 26-year-old who has one year left on contract.

Grimes is also attracting interest from former Fulham boss Scott Parker at Bournemouth.


Fulham had a £2.5m offer rejected at the weekend for Swansea City's Matt Grimes (right)


Former Fulham boss Scott Parker (left) is also interested in bringing Grimes to Bournemouth



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9939537/Fulham-agree-loan-Everton-Valencia-target-Andre-Frank-Zambo-Anguissa-Napoli.html

[WhiteJC]

Update emerges regarding Watford player's future amid previous Fulham interest

Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah is likely to remain at the Premier League club this summer, unless a side makes a significant offer for the 26-year-old, as reported by The Athletic.

Chalobah has not been involved with the first-team squad on match days as of yet, after starting 32 times for The Hornets last time as promotion was achieved.

The versatile 26-year-old has attracted interest from Fulham this summer, as per a report from The Athletic.

Chalobah has just one year left remaining on his current contract, meaning that if he stays, he would be allowed to speak to other clubs from January onwards.

Making 127 appearances for Watford since his 2017 debut, the Sierra Leone-born midfielder has been a regular for the Hertfordshire club.

It is expected that if Chalobah does depart, then The Hornets may still add to their squad before Tuesday's deadline.

The Verdict

Chalobah seemingly has little left to play for at Watford, as it appears that his opportunities for first-team football with The Hornets have diminished.

It would be ideal for the midfielder to make a move to the top end of the Championship, but if finances stand in his way, then it can be a deal that can be discussed in early January.

During that time Chalobah could pave a way back into the team, although, top-quality midfield reinforcements have already been added, which will perhaps hinder his progress.

Chalobah has proved to be an excellent player at second-tier level, and a player that the promotion-chasing Championship clubs should be keeping an eye on, despite this latest update.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/update-emerges-regarding-watford-players-future-amid-previous-fulham-interest/

[WhiteJC]

Swansea reject Fulham bid for midfielder Matt Grimes

Matt Grimes is out of contract at the end of this season

Swansea City have rejected an offer from Fulham for captain Matt Grimes ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline.

Grimes has a year left to run on his current Swans deal and had been the subject of interest from the London club earlier in the summer.

Swansea - who had spoken to Grimes about the possibility of extending his contract - will now wait to see if Fulham return with an improved offer.

The offer from Marco Silva's side was understood to be around £2.5m.

Speaking after Saturday's defeat to Preston, Swansea head coach Russell Martin had admitted he was bracing himself for bids for his players, predicting a chaotic end to the window.

The 26-year old midfielder has been attracting interest from Fulham since July.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58384402

[WhiteJC]

Fulham ready to release Christie

Fulham are ready to release Cyrus Christie on a free transfer in order to help the Republic of Ireland international find a route out of Craven Cottage before the transfer deadline, according to the Athletic's Peter Rutzler.

Marco Silva has told the right back that he is not in his long-term plans – even following Kenny Tete's hamstring injury last week that appears to be more severe than first thought. Christie spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest but a proposed permanent return to the City Ground fell through last weekend after he failed to agree personal terms.

Burnley, Stoke City and Bologna are believed to be interested in striking a deal for the former Middlesbrough and Derby defender, who has only featured for Fulham's under 23 side this season. Christie, who twice helped Fulham win promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, has made 66 appearances for the Whites since moving to London three years ago.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/fulham-ready-to-release-christie/

[WhiteJC]

Leicester City target former Fulham winger Ademola Lookman

Leicester's productive summer

As always, Leicester have had a strong summer of recruitment. They had added full-back Ryan Bertrand, midfielder Boubakary Soumare and exciting forward Patson Daka within a month of the transfer window opening, as they hunt for the Champions League finish that has eluded them on the final day of the season in consecutive campaigns.

Injury to defender Wesley Fofana forced a minor rethink, but the addition of Southampton defender Jannick Vestergaard appears, on the surface at least, a shrewd acquisition.

Perhaps most importantly, they have kept hold of their existing players this summer, having batted away interest from Arsenal in James Maddison, keeping their chief creator for at least another season.

However, they are still on the hunt for one further attacking signing.

Lookman emerges as a target
In the dying days of the window, that attacking signing could well be RB Leipzig winger Ademola Lookman. As per the reliable David Ornstein of the Athletic, the Foxes are looking to agree on an initial loan with an option to buy for the former Fulham loanee.

🚨 Leicester working on deal to sign Ademola Lookman from RB Leipzig on season-long loan with option to buy. #LCFC trying & 23yo winger keen but still work to be done with #RBLeipzig. Ex Charlton, Everton, Fulham player contracted until 2024 @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/cVPHREBcJF

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 30, 2021

Despite ultimately being relegated, Lookman impressed at times for Fulham last season, netting 4 goals and 4 assists in his 34 appearances for Scott Parker's side.

However, Lookman has yet to nail down a place in the Bundesliga outfit's starting side, and with the return of Dominic Szoboszlai to full fitness, may continue to fail to do so. As a result, a loan move may be the best option for all parties.



https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/transfers/leicester-city-target-former-fulham-winger-ademola-lookman/

[WhiteJC]

Stoke City linked with transfer deadline-beating move for Fulham defender

Cyrus Christie has fallen out of favour at Craven Cottage

Stoke City are among three clubs linked with an 11th hour move for out-of-favour Fulham right-back Cyrus Christie.

The 28-year-old is expected to be available on a free transfer before Tuesday's 11pm deadline, having spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest.

The Athletic claims he is attracting interest from Stoke, Burnley and Bologna as Marco Silva chases a new full-back of his own, having lost Kenny Tete to a hamstring injury.

Silva, who beat Stoke 3-0 on Saturday, also has Denis Odoi and Steven Sessengon in his squad.

Republic of Ireland international Christie, aged 28, made his breakthrough at Coventry and more than 100 appearances for Derby County before joining Fulham via Middlesbrough.

Christie was a consistent figure in Chris Hughton's defence last term and had a knack for getting in a lot of crosses.

Tommy Smith has started the season as Stoke's only senior right wing-back and Michael O'Neill has been clear that he would like to bring in extra competition.

A short-term deal for trialist Demeaco Duhaney is expected to be announced on Tuesday

Stoke have been linked with a series of right backs through the summer as O'Neill had preferred Nathan Collins, now at Burnley, to Smith in a flat back four last season.

Of those, Neco Williams remains at Liverpool after speculation about his future behind Trent Alexander-Arnold. The 20-year-old has just pulled out of the Wales squad due to injury.

The return of Tyrese Campbell from injury does give O'Neill a chance to switch to 4-2-3-1 although wing-backs has emerged as his Plan A - and picked up 10 points from the first five games.



https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/stoke-city-transfer-cyrus-christie-5848683

[WhiteJC]

Talking Points: Stoke

Mitro's frustration

With his weekend featuring a new contract, a goal, an assist, and three points, you would have thought Aleksandar Mitrović would have been in a fairly good mood at full-time. But when you're as hungry for goals as the big man is, he couldn't help but feel disappointed at the end of the game after seeing his stoppage time penalty saved. When the whistle went, his face was one of despair, such is his desire to score as many as possible. Hopefully he didn't beat himself up too much, as it was a fabulous centre forward display from Mitro.

Hammy End action

In our third home match of the campaign, fans in the Hammersmith End were finally able to celebrate some goals right in front of them. The Putney End was the location of our first four Craven Cottage strikes of the season, so it was great to see Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Aleksandar Mitrović celebrate with the fans in the Hammy after they each scored in the second half on Saturday. 

Odoi stepping up

Marco Silva revealed in his pre-match press conference that we may be without Kenny Tete for some time with a hamstring injury. Gutting news considering the way Tete has begun the season, but Denis Odoi slotted into that right-back role seamlessly against Stoke. Reliable in defence and offering an option in attack, he demonstrated just why he's been such a popular player over the years, and could even have had a goal on another day.

Best GD in the land

Putting three past Stoke with no reply means Fulham now boast a goal difference of +10, something which keeps us above West Bromwich Albion at the top of the Sky Bet Championship. It's a figure that no team in the country has been able to hit just yet, with Manchester City coming closest (+9) following their 5-0 win over Arsenal at the weekend.

Return of Reed

On an afternoon full of positives, another came in the 80th minute with the introduction of Harrison Reed for his first appearance of the season when he replaced Fabio Carvalho. "It's important for him," Marco Silva told FFCtv. "I put him a little bit more forward than is normal for him, but I wanted to give him those minutes. He's an important player for us, he's different to the other players we have there. He's mobile, dynamic, and he will help us."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Talking-Points-Stoke/

[WhiteJC]

Burnley and Stoke City among sides in transfer chase for Fulham player

Burnley, Bologna and Stoke City are interested in signing Fulham defender Cyrus Christie, according to the Athletic.

Christie spent last season out on loan at Nottingham Forest and established himself as a key player under Chris Hughton, playing 44 times in the Championship.

The full-back is now back at Craven Cottage, after Fulham decided to activate a one-year extension clause in his contract at the end of last season.

Christie, though, is said to have been told by Marco Silva that he isn't in his plans for this season, and is believed to be available on a free transfer.

With a year left on his contract, Burnley and Stoke City are said to have shown an interest in the Republic of Ireland international, according to the Athletic.

Serie A side Bologna have also been touted as a potential destination, with Burnley also in talks to sign another right-back in Connor Roberts from Swansea.

Christie's only game time for Fulham this season has come with the Under-23s', featuring in a Premier League 2 win over West Brom less than a fortnight ago.

The Verdict

I'd be surprised to see Burnley make a move for Christie given their reported interest in Roberts, however they probably see value in a deal.

They want someone to push Matt Lowton, it seems, and Christie is an experienced, established player capable of doing so.

His wages are high, so it would be interesting to see if Stoke wish to splash out on them given that no transfer fee would be involved.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/burnley-and-stoke-city-among-sides-in-transfer-chase-for-fulham-player/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham ready to let Cyrus Christie leave for nothing – Stoke City, Burnley keen

Fulham are ready to let full-back Cyrus Christie leave, with Stoke City and Burnley among the sides said keen.

On Cyrus Christie, he's so far attracted interest from Burnley, Stoke and Bologna. Seeking a move away from Craven Cottage before tomorrow's deadline after being told by Marco Silva that he's not in his plans. Believed to be available on a free. #FFC  https://t.co/2K2WV0ltvt

— Peter Rutzler (@peterrutzler) August 30, 2021

Fulham's Kenny Tete had been Marco Silva's go-to man at right-back in the opening four games of the Championship season, only for injury to sideline the Dutchman.

In his absence, Dennis Odoi came in against Stoke City, with Cyrus Christie currently out of the first-team picture.

Now, it has emerged that the former Coventry City and Derby County man has been told he can move on before tomorrow's deadline.

Peter Rutzler, reporter for The Athletic, has revealed that Silva is open to offers for Christie, with a number of clubs showing an interest.

Premier League side Burnley, Championship rivals Stoke City and Italian outfit Bologna are all said to be showing an interest in the full-back ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

Christie isn't in Silva's plans for the season and, with his deal expiring next summer, he has been told that he can leave on a free transfer.

U23s game time
So far this season, Christie's only game time has come for the Cottagers' Premier League 2 side.

The Coventry-born ace played at centre-back for Fulham's U23s in a 3-0 win over West Brom's youngsters, providing an assist in the comfortable victory.

Fulham stint to date
Christie has been with Fulham for over three and a half years, moving to Craven Cottage from Middlesbrough in January 2018.

Across all competitions, the Irish international has played 67 times for the club, netting two goals and laying on three assists. After falling out of favour under Scott Parker, Christie spent last season on loan with Nottingham Forest, playing 44 times.



https://the72.co.uk/248774/fulham-ready-to-let-cyrus-christie-leave-for-nothing-stoke-city-burnley-keen/

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Andre-Frank Anguissa Edging Closer to Napoli Loan Deal

Andre-Frank Anguissa might be spending the rest of the campaign in Italy, with Napoli nearing a deal to bring the Fulham midfielder to the club on loan, according to The Athletic's Peter Rutzler and James Horncastle.

Napoli Set to Seal Loan Deal for Andre-Frank Anguissa
Andre-Frank Anguissa Yet to Start for Fulham Amid Napoli Interest

The 25-year-old has featured three times for Fulham so far this season but is yet to start a game. This is more than likely down to these ongoing rumours that Anguissa could be on his way out – and it now looks likely that he will depart Craven Cottage before the transfer window slams shut.

The Serie A side would take the Cameroonian on a short-term deal, which would see him stay in Italy until the end of the season. It would represent the first time that the player has tried his luck in the country, with him having previously played in France and Spain before England.

Fulham are believed to be willing to let the midfielder leave and want a deal to involve a guarantee of Napoli signing him on a permanent basis once the deal is done. However, it looks likely that the clause will involve the possibility of signing him full-time rather than forcing the Serie A side to do so.

Featured Heavily in Premier League
Anguissa has looked a decent prospect at his current club and featured heavily in his side's Premier League campaign last year. With 36 appearances and three assists to his name, he looked one of the sharpest in the Cottagers side as they were unfortunately relegated back to the second tier of English football.

The midfielder has averaged three tackles and one interception per 90 minutes over the last year or so and it would put him as one of the top 15% of all midfielders for these figures in the top five leagues – so Napoli securing his signature before the transfer window shuts is sure to be a shrewd signing for the Italian side.



https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2021/08/30/andre-frank-anguissa-napoli-fulham/

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Fulham bid rejected by Swansea who want 4 million for Grimes

Fulham have had a bid for Matt Grimes rejected after timing out on their original agreement in 'principle' for the Swansea City Captain.

It doesn't come as a surprise that the swans are holding out on Matt Grimes leaving Swansea. With the deadline day getting closer the swans know they are in a comfortable position regards Grimes. He still has a lucrative contract on the table and sources state the swans will still negotiate with him if a genuine offer comes in.

Russell Martin wants Grimes to stay at the club and has made that clear.

However, if deadline deals come to fruition with Roberts and Grimes it could see the swans with eight million in their coffers which will increase their ability to tie down their number one striker target Kevin Nesbit. The main problem there now is Celtic have renewed interest in the striker whose scoring record is extremely good. He has scored 62 goals in his last 94 appearances at Raith Rovers, Dunfermline and Hibs.



https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/swanseacity/news/55655/fulham-bid-rejected-by-swansea-who-want-4-million-for-grimes