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

[WhiteJC]

Fulham make Stephen Eustaquio offer

Fulham have made an offer to bring Stephen Eustaquio to Craven Cottage.

What's the talk?

That's according to a claim made by Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, with the Turkish journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Marco Silva's side have made an opening offer for the FC Pacos de Ferreira defensive midfielder, with Fenerbahce also believed to be interested in the 24-year-old.

In his tweet, Sabuncuoglu said: "Fulham also made an offer to the player and his club for Stephen Eustaquio, whom Fenerbahce want."

Forget Angussia

With Andre Zambo Anguissa looking set to join Serie A side Napoli prior to Tuesday evening's transfer deadline, defensive midfield would appear to be a position in which Silva requires reinforcements of his own in the last few hours of the summer window.

And, considering how impressive Eustaquio has been for Pacos Ferreira in recent seasons, should the Portuguese manager indeed manage to get a deal over the line for the Canada international on Tuesday, it would undoubtedly help soften the blow of losing the services of Anguissa.

Indeed, over his 32 Liga NOS appearances for the club last season, the £4.5m-rated midfielder made an average of 1.4 interceptions, 2.4 tackles, 1.2 clearances and won 4.9 duels.

The 24-year-old also impressed going forwards, chipping in with two goals, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.7 shots and making 0.9 key passes per league fixture.

These returns saw the £1.6k-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.88, ranking him as Jorge Simao's seventh-best performer in the top flight of Portuguese football.

Eustaquio also appears to have continued this fine form into the club's new Liga NOS campaign, having averaged a SofaScore match rating of 6.97 over his four league appearances so far this term, ranking him as the club's fourth-best player.

As such, should Anguissa indeed secure a move from Craven Cottage in the next few hours, the news that Fulham have made an offer for a player as talented as Eustaquio in a bid to replace the Cameroon international is sure to have Cottagers fans buzzing.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-the-cottagers-ffc-transfer-news-deadline-day-marco-silva-stephen-eustaquio-andre-zambo-anguissa-the-championship

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Exclusive: Fulham set to miss out on target to Newcastle United

Fulham are set to miss out on Cameron Carter-Vickers with the defender potentially moving to Newcastle United at the end of this current summer window, Football League World can reveal.

The Cottagers have had an excellent start to the season in the Sky Bet Championship and are looking as though they could be the team to beat in the race for the title at this early stage.

Certainly, their squad is looking particularly strong but that does not mean they have not been looking to add to it late on in the market, with Carter-Vickers a player of interest.

Indeed, the Cottagers were considering bringing him in to add to their defensive ranks but it appears Newcastle United are going to get him, with the two parties in talks over a transfer, Football League World can reveal.

Indeed, this also has a knock-on effect on defender Alfie Mawson's future, with FLW able to reveal that the centre-back will be remaining in SW6 past the end of this window, with Fulham telling him he is going to be staying put.

Championship sides had enquired over his ability for a move this summer but Fulham wanted to bring in a replacement first of all, and so this news involving Carter-Vickers has evidently scuppered that.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-fulham-set-to-miss-out-on-target-to-newcastle-united/

[WhiteJC]

Further details on Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's Fulham exit to Napoli emerge

Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has been key in pushing through what looks to be an imminent loan-to-buy move to Serie A side Napoli, according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

The Cameroonian made it clear to Fulham officials before the opening day of the Championship season that he wished to leave Craven Cottage this summer, following their relegation from the Premier League.

This bombshell led to the 26-year-old being left out of the first-team squad in favour of the likes of Harrison Reed, Josh Onomah and Jean Michael Seri, with the latter adapting well to life under new manager Marco Silva after previously looking set for the exit door.

Anguissa has recently been recalled to the first-team squad but with the midfielder completing his medical yesterday ahead of a loan move with an option to buy for £9m, his move to Naples is all but complete.

However, the 26-year-old was not the Italian club's first-choice according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who say they failed in their pursuit of Sheffield United's Sander Berge and Saint-Etienne's Zaydou Youssouf and had to settle for their third priority in Anguissa.

23-year-old Berge has recently tested positive for Covid-19, all but ending his hopes of a move with the Blades unwilling to negotiate a deal worth less than his £35m release clause earlier in the summer.

But Championship rivals Fulham were willing to come to negotiating table, with Anguissa's willingness to come to Italy said to be key in striking this deal.

The Verdict:

Considering how desperate he reportedly was to leave Craven Cottage before the end of the window, it's no surprise to hear that he was pushing for a move to a Napoli side that are likely to be competing at the top end of the Italian first division.

With the potential of playing European football as well, this was probably a deal that was too good for Anguissa to reject even with the likely prospect of Fulham returning to the Premier League next season in their current form.

The Cottagers have seemingly prepared well for this departure with Swansea City's Matt Grimes, Portuguese international William Carvalho and Canadian international Stephen Eustaquio all being heavily linked with a move to Craven Cottage in recent days.

Anguissa's contract expires in 2023 and with his value likely to depreciate from now on because of this, barring a major upturn in his form, they are unlikely to get more than the reported £9m they have managed to negotiate with Napoli.

He's also unlikely to be in Fulham's first-team squad during the 2022/23 campaign, even if they return to the Premier League, after submitting his transfer request. So this move is probably the best for all parties even with the midfielder not initially being at the forefront of their transfer agenda.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/further-details-on-andre-frank-zambo-anguissas-fulham-exit-to-napoli-emerge/

[WhiteJC]

Done deal: Anguissa from Fulham to Napoli

Napoli have secured midfielder Andre Zambo Anguissa from Fulham, on loan with an option to buy for €15m, claim reports in Italy.

The 25-year-old will arrive on transfer deadline day to bolster their options in the middle of the park, according to Sky Sport Italia.

Fulham had purchased Anguissa from Olympique Marseille in 2018 for €25m and he spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Villarreal.

He is a Cameroon international with four goals in 29 senior caps for the Indomitable Lions.

Anguissa had also been linked with Roma over the last few weeks, but Napoli have won the race to sign him.

The player had been pushing for an exit since Fulham were relegated from the Premier League, but he has already made three Championship appearances this season, all of them off the bench.

He has 79 Ligue 1 games under his belt, 58 in the Premier League and 36 in La Liga, contributing two goals and six assists.

#Anguissa al @sscnapoli ✍🏼 @SkySport @SkySports prestito con diritto a 15M (loan with option from @FulhamFC) #DeadlineDay

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) August 31, 2021

https://football-italia.net/done-deal-anguissa-from-fulham-to-napoli/

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Sources: Fulham submit new Grimes bid after Swansea reject offers

Fulham have submitted an improved bid for Swansea City midfielder Matt Grimes as they look to land him by tonight's deadline, Football Insider understands.

The Londoners have made the midfielder one of their top targets this summer but have had multiple offers rejected.

A Fulham source has told Football Insider that the club have come back with a new offer in excess of £2.5m to try and persuade Swansea to sell.

On 28th July, this site revealed Watford and Brighton are also in the hunt for the midfielder.

The southern trio were all keeping close tabs on the midfielder, 26, who is expected to leave the Liberty Stadium this summer with only one year left on his contract.

Grimes was part of the bedrock of Steve Cooper's side in 2020-21 and missed just one match as the Swans narrowly missed out on promotion via the play-offs.

The former England Under-21 international joined Swansea in 2015 and has played over 150 times for the Welsh side.

He began his career with Exeter City and won their Player of the Season Award in only his second season as a professional in 2014-15.

Fulham are still on the lookout for new recruits as they attempt to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The Cottagers sit top of the Championship after five games and remain unbeaten after an impressive start.

Meanwhile, the Swans, under new manager Russell Martin, are down in 19th after only winning one of their five games.

Fulham and Swansea will play each other after the international break on 29 September.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-fulham-submit-new-grimes-bid-after-swansea-reject-offers/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham make third Grimes bid

Fulham have launched a third bid for Swansea City skipper Matt Grimes as they try to conclude a deal before tonight's transfer deadline, according to reports this afternoon.

The 26 year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a Craven Cottage move all summer and reportedly is not willing to sign a new contract at the Liberty Stadium. He has a year to run on his current deal – but Swansea have rejected two previous Fulham offers and are believed to be holding out for an excess of £4m for the former England under-21 international.

Grimes, who has made 163 appearances for the Welsh side since joining Swansea six years ago, is widely regarded as one of the most consistent performers in the Championship. He was a key part of the Swansea side that reached the play-offs in successive seasons under former boss Steve Cooper, with the Swans losing in last season's final to Brentford. Grimes has put the speculation surrounding his future to one side to start all of Swansea's games so far this season.

Marco Silva is known to be looking for further additions in midfield, with Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa poised to seal a loan move to Napoli this afternoon.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/fulham-make-third-grimes-bid/

[WhiteJC]

Former Forest loanee available on a free transfer, Martin O'Neill thinks he's 'brilliant'

Nottingham Forest had Cyrus Christie on loan last season and the player is now available on a free transfer. The 28-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by Fulham and they aren't commanding a transfer fee.

Burnley, Bologna and Stoke are keen on signing the full-back. The Clarets have made the deadline day capture of Conor Roberts from Swansea, however, so are unlikely to move.

The Athletic claims that Marco Silva will let Christie leave for free. Any club who does take a chance on the defender, however, will likely need to match his £20,000-a-week wages.

During the 2020/21 campaign, Christie arrived at Forest on loan from the Cottagers. He made 44 appearances for the Reds and improved massively at the turn of the year.

Some of his performances came in for criticism prior to the festive period. Afterwards, he really kicked on though and proved one of Forest's better players during a pretty drab season.

Now, he faces an anxious wait to see if any club will take a chance on him. If a deal cannot be struck, he will be stuck at Fulham until January at the least.

Christie will be a free agent next summer and boasts bags of experience playing in the Championship for a number of clubs.

Could Forest make a late attempt to sign Christie?

It does seem unlikely. Mohamed Drager is set to sign from Olympiacos, whilst Fin Back and Jayden Richardson are both highly-rated members of the Reds' academy.

On a free, Hughton may be tempted. CEO Dane Murphy is unlikely to fancy Christie, however, as the player doesn't really fit within his transfer policy.

On sizeable wages, Forest will likely go with what they have. Jordi Osei-Tutu has also arrived on loan from Arsenal and he has shown his class during the game and a half he's played for the Reds.

Christie could prove a very decent addition to someone ahead of tonight's deadline. Martin O'Neill once called him 'brilliant' after a performance for the Republic of Ireland, although Forest doesn't seem like his likely destination right now.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2021/08/31/cyrus-christie-reportedly-available-for-free-after-nottingham-forest-loan/

[WhiteJC]

QPR taking another look at Martell Taylor-Crossdale after Fulham exit

QPR have taken Martell Taylor-Crossdale back on trial, as per a report by West London Sport.

The attacker scored for QPR Under-23s against Barnsley today.

Taylor-Crossdale, who is 21-years-old, is a free agent after being released by Fulham at the end of last season.

He spent time with the R's earlier this year and they are now taking another look at him.

Doncaster Rovers had him on trial over pre-season, as per a report by the Doncaster Free Press, but decided against offering him a contract.

Career to date

Taylor-Crossdale started his career at Chelsea and rose up through the academy at Stamford Bridge.

The youngster left the Blues when his contract expired in 2019 and turned down a move to Hoffenheim before going to Fulham.

He went on to play once for the Cottagers' first-team and was loaned out to League Two side Colchester United for a brief spell last term to get some experience under his belt.

Thoughts?

QPR might just be doing Taylor-Crossdale a favour by keeping him sharp as he looks for a new club.

He wouldn't be a bad addition to their Under-23s though if they decide to hand him a deal in the end.

The forward is young and has the potential to develop over the next few years.

This is a story to keep an eye on over the next couple of weeks or so.



https://the72.co.uk/248998/qpr-taking-another-look-at-martell-taylor-crossdale-after-fulham-exit/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham return with third bid for Swansea City star Matt Grimes

Fulham have made yet another bid for Swansea City star Matt Grimes, according to reports.

Fulham have been consistently linked with Matt Grimes over the course of the summer, with the Swansea City midfielder attracting interest from a host of sides.

As well as the Cottagers, fellow Championship side Bournemouth have also been credited with interest at times.

Now, after failing with two bids for Grimes, it has been claimed that Marco Silva's side have made a third offer for the Swansea ace.

As per a report from Football Insider, an improved bid has been lodged for the Swans skipper.

It is said the latest offer is "in excess of £2.5m", an improvement on their previous bids.

Fulham are determined to tempt Grimes away from Wales and over to London before the window slams shut at 11pm tonight, so it will be interesting to see if they are successful in their efforts to bring in the Exeter City academy graduate.

Becoming a key player

Since 2018, Grimes has become one of Swansea City's most important players, making him one of the first names on the team sheet.

He went from strength to strength under Steve Cooper, becoming the club's captain. He has remained a key part of Russell Martin's side, playing every minute of the Championship so far.

Across all competitions, 2015 signing Grimes has gone on to play 163 times for the Swans, netting eight goals and providing three assists.

A surprisingly low fee

Given just how important Grimes has been for Swansea in recent seasons, it would be a shock to see him let go for a fee in the region of £2.5m.

Yes, he only has a year remaining on his contract, but a player of his calibre could yet be a valuable player for Swansea and selling him to a rival would be a big blow to Martin and co.



https://the72.co.uk/248997/fulham-return-with-third-bid-for-swansea-city-star-matt-grimes/

[WhiteJC]

Further development emerges in Matt Grimes transfer saga involving Fulham and Swansea City

Championship side Fulham have submitted a new bid 'in excess' of £2.5m to Swansea City for midfielder Matt Grimes, as per Football Insider.

Grimes, 26, is an integral part of the Swans' squad as captain at the swansea.com Stadium, but is entering the final year of his contract in Wales and with interest from the likes of promotion contenders Fulham and AFC Bournemouth, it's feared he will not be signing fresh terms at his current club.

He made 45 league appearances in the middle of the park last season, becoming a key man in a side who have been chasing promotion for the past two seasons, losing out to Brentford in the play-off semi-finals during the 2019/20 campaign before falling at the final hurdle against the Bees at Wembley in May.

But with Steve Cooper leaving, talisman Andre Ayew departing Wales in the summer and a young manager in Russell Martin arriving at the club, it may take a while before the Championship side are competing at the top end of the table again.

Meanwhile at Fulham, Marco Silva has made three top-quality additions in Harry Wilson, Paulo Gazzaniga and Rodrigo Muniz during the summer to add to what already looks like a side destined for the Premier League, but are set to lose Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa to Napoli.

With this, Grimes is likely to be in competition with the likes of Jean Michael Seri, Harrison Reed and Josh Onomah if he finally makes his move away from Swansea, with the Cottagers, AFC Bournemouth, Watford and Brighton & Hove Albion all reported to have been chasing his signature throughout the summer.

The Verdict:

To lose their captain on deadline day would be a major hammer blow to the Swans, so it would be slightly surprising to see the Welsh side accept a bid at this stage of the window.

However, the fact Grimes has less than a year left on his current deal could tempt Russell Martin's side to cash in on him now whilst they have the chance to generate some cash for him.

The Swans have also managed to bring in Liam Walsh and Flynn Downes during this window, so they may feel the sufficient depth in their squad to cope without him, even with the impact this sale would inevitably have on the dressing room.

For Fulham, this would be an excellent addition that would take them one step closer to the Premier League. Not only will Marco Silva's side get a top-quality midfielder to provide competition and depth, but his leadership skills will also come in handy for a side gunning for promotion.

Swansea have already rejected a bid reported to be in the region of £2.5m though, so this is likely to be an improved offer. But whether Martin's side will accept this bid remains to be seen – their board haven't been afraid to accept offers for their prized assets in the past though.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/further-development-emerges-in-matt-grimes-transfer-saga-involving-fulham-and-swansea-city/

[WhiteJC]

Sources: Fulham open talks to sign Newcastle star Krafth

Fulham are in deadline-day talks to sign Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.

The Cottagers are in the market for a new right-back before the window shuts and have made a move for the Sweden international.

A Fulham source has told Football Insider that they are waiting for Newcastle to make a decision on letting Krafth go.

The Premier League club are weighing up whether they can afford to do without the 27-year-old.

Krafth has been used as both a right-back and a centre-back since his arrival from Amiens in 2019.

He started Newcastle's first game of the season against West Ham as part of a three-man defence.

The Sweden international has since been left as an unused substitute for the Magpies' last two league games.

Jacob Murphy has established himself as Steve Bruce's first-choice right-back in recent months.

As such, Krafth has featured more as a centre-back than out wide.

However, Fulham manager Marco Silva is keen to restore him to his former position at Craven Cottage.

Kenny Tete has suffered a serious hamstring injury which has forced the Cottagers to seek out a new right-back.

The 25-year-old started Fulham's opening four Championship fixtures before being sidelined.

Silva does have Denis Odoi, Steven Sessegnon and Cyrus Christie as potential options to fill the void.

However, the London outfit have moved to try and strike a deal for Krafth before the transfer deadline.

Krafth has played a total of 42 times across all competitions for Newcastle to date.

He has also made 32 appearances for Sweden, including in all four of his country's matches at this summer's European Championships.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-fulham-open-talks-to-sign-newcastle-star-krafth/

[ToodlesMcToot]

In that picture of Parker talking to Aquissia is he saying: 'If you pass the ball forwards you will be hooked immediately.'  :022:

"Frank. Mate. You played in France for three seasons! Do you really expect me to believe you don't know what a pirouette is?!!"

[WhiteJC]

Versatile, intelligent, tricky: Tayo Edun's path from Fulham youth ranks to Blackburn Rovers

Tayo Edun will be a welcomed addition to the Blackburn Rovers squad

Blackburn Rovers have all but confirmed their capture of Lincoln City ace Tayo Edun.

A versatile, left-footed individual, Edun will offer competition for Harry Pickering at left-back while contesting for roles in central midfield and on the flank.

One of Fulham's brightest prospects as a teenager, the 23-year-old had to readjust his career path by pursuing an opportunity with the ambitious Lincoln and Edun has since flourished in League One, attracting Championship interest with the view to achieving his Premier League ambitions.

So what are Rovers getting in Edun? And how has his career panned out so far?

"We gave a debut to one English international young player, who is a European champion with England and he is good news for England and good news for Fulham's academy," said Slavisa Jokanovic after being quizzed on his decision to hand Edun his debut against Leyton Orient in the League Cup.

Born in Islington to Nigerian parents, Edun was a highly-regarded pupil at Enfield Grammar School but it was his emergence within Fulham's academy that encouraged his mother and father to believe that a career in professional football could be achieved.

At 16 he was recognised by England, selected by Under-17s head coach John Peacock in October 2014 before featuring in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship and FIFA Under-17 World Cup the following summer, lining up on the opposite flank to a certain Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Progression continued both domestically and internationally, making the transition to the England U18 side before a Fulham debut beckoned in the League Cup. His performances led to two further cup appearances, a gesture of faith from Jokanovic.

For his country, Edun started every game as England won the Under-19 Euros during the summer, featuring in the Team of the Tournament - despite being sent off in the final - before being drafted in to train with Gareth Southgate's seniors ahead of the Three Lions friendly against Germany, a sign of how well thought of he was within the England setup. He was even included in the Daily Mirror's 'Stars of the Future 2018' alongside Eddie Nketiah, Ebere Eze and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

After making two league appearances during Fulham's 2017/18 promotion campaign, his breakthrough at Craven Cottage was hindered, a change in management and the implications of Premier League football prompting a loan spell the next season with Ipswich Town in the Championship.

His Tractor Boys debut? Against Rovers, of course. An opening day victory for Tony Mowbray's men was spoilt by a deflected Edun cross in stoppage time. But he would only go on to make five more appearances, an eye injury curtailing his season in December and Edun would return to Fulham.

While he progressed on the international stage, featuring for the England U20 outfit as a defensive midfielder, opportunities for his club were elusive and for the sake of his reigniting a stalling career, Edun sought opportunities elsewhere.

A lifeline beckoned in January 2020 when Michael Appleton came calling, the former Rovers manager adding a portfolio of young, forgotten talents to aid Lincoln in their long-term quest for sustainable success.

It was not the easiest of starts, Edun struggled to make an impact in the opening months of his stint at the Sincil Bank but the versatile ace channelled his hardship into good effect by capitalising on injuries that plagued Lincoln early on in the 2020/21 campaign.

"I've got a pretty good relationship with Tayo to be fair," said Appleton when reflecting on his progress. "Since the day he's walked through the door we've had a few honest conversations that he's probably not wanted to hear.

"But I think it's helped him and got him in a position where he is now."

And Edun now finds himself positioned on an upward trajectory. An excellent individual campaign aided Lincoln in their quest for promotion, cruelly missing out on a Championship berth after suffering defeat to Blackpool in the League One Play-Off final.

A goal and six assists were his return but his importance in enabling Lincoln to function were not underappreciated. Commended as a utility man, Edun has proved himself effective at both ends of the pitch, praised for his boldness in possession and confidence in the opposition third.

But where is Edun's preferred position? The former Fulham academy product is happy to play anywhere.

"I prefer left-back but wherever you play on the pitch you've got to do the job for the team," he said. "It's good for me to have that option that I can help out at left-back or centre-mid. As I said, I prefer left-back, but I don't mind doing a job further forward if needed."

His dependability in different positions will be a useful asset for Mowbray moving forward. It's why the Rovers manager holds Joe Rankin-Costello in such high regard, the 22-year-old capable of performing wherever he is utilised.

A surprise addition, especially given Mowbray's complaints regarding finances earlier in the window, but an astute piece of business from Rovers and one that should hopefully reward them in the years to come.



https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/transfer-news/blackburn-rovers-edun-journey-praise-21446668

[WhiteJC]

Fulham open talks over swoop for Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth

Fulham have entered talks over a possible deal for Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth, it has been claimed.

Marco Silva is looking to bring some fresh faces to Fulham before the window slams shut at 11pm tonight.

Swansea City midfielder Matt Grimes has been heavily linked with a move to Craven Cottage before the deadline, while Pacos de Ferreira man Stephen Eustaquio has also been mentioned as a potential target.

Now, as we enter the final hours of the window, Football Insider has claimed talks over a move for Newcastle United's Emil Krafth have been opened.

The Cottagers and the Magpies are said to be in discussions over a possible move for Krafth, with the Premier League side said to be weighing up a decision regarding the Sweden international's future at St. James' Park.

With talks said to be taking place, it will be interesting to see if anything regarding a move pans out in the coming hours.



https://the72.co.uk/249017/fulham-open-talks-over-swoop-for-newcastle-united-defender-emil-krafth/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham lining up Krafth loan

Fulham have opened discussions with Newcastle United about a potential loan deal for defender Emil Krafth, according to reports this afternoon.

Marco Silva is keen to sign a right back on transfer deadline day after first choice Kenny Tete sustained a serious hamstring injury in the 2-0 win over Hull City earlier this summer. Fulham have been linked with a move for Aston Villa's Frederic Guilbert, who is understood to more interested in a potential return to France, and the Hertha Berlin full back Deyovaisio Zeefuik but are now waiting to hear whether Newcastle would be willing to let Krafth leave St. James' Park.

The Swedish international, who has made 42 appearances in three years at Newcastle, can also operate at the heart of the defence and featured in Steve Bruce's side on the season's opening weekend against West Ham. The 27 year-old, who played in all four of Sweden's Euro 2020 fixtures and has won 32 senior caps for his country, has been an unused substitute since the defeat by the Hammers.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/fulham-lining-up-krafth-loan/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham handed boost in Matt Grimes pursuit

Fulham have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Matt Grimes to Craven Cottage.

What's the talk?

That's according to a claim made by Darren Witcoop, with the Reach journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that, following Andre Zambo Anguissa's move to Napoli, the path is now clear for Marco Silva to return with a fresh offer for the Swansea City central midfielder.

In his tweet, Witcoop said: "Anguissa leaving Fulham – opening the door to make another offer for Swansea skipper Matt Grimes."

Previous reports had revealed the west London side had seen a £2.5m bid for the 26-year-old rejected by the Swans, however, it would now seem as if the Cottagers could well return with a last-minute swoop for the former England U21 international.

Fans will be buzzing

While losing a player of Anguissa's undoubted ability will have disappointed many Fulham fans, should the club manage to secure a deal for Grimes in place of the Cameroon international, it will certainly go a long way to appeasing the woes of the Craven Cottage faithful.

Indeed, the Swansea captain would appear to be a fantastic option to replace Anguissa, with the 26-year-old's Championship form for the Welsh side last season demonstrating his ability in the middle of the pitch.

Over his 45 league appearances last time out, the £6.3m-rated midfielder scored two goals, provided three assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of one shot and making 0.8 key passes per game.

The player Steve Cooper dubbed an "excellent" talent also made an impressive average of 1.5 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 1.3 clearances and winning 5.3 duels per Championship fixture last season.

These metrics saw the £10k-per-week midfielder earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.04, ranking him as Cooper's fifth-best performer in the league – playing an influential role in the club's run to the play-off final.

As such, should Silva be able to seal a deal for Grimes prior to the closure of the transfer window on this evening, his arrival would be sure to have fans of the club buzzing, as the 26-year-old clearly has the ability to play a starring role in the Cottagers midfield this season.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-ffc-the-cottagers-transfer-news-tony-khan-swansea-city-marco-silva-matt-grimes-andre-zambo-anguissa-the-championship

[WhiteJC]

Fulham enquire about Emil Krafth but defender doesn't want to drop out of the Premier League... with Newcastle needing to sell first before making a bid for Leicester's Hamza Choudhury

    Fulham want a right back and Newcastle's Emil Krafth has made their shortlist
    The Sweden international joined Newcastle in 2019 from French side Amiens
    Krafth started in the Magpies' opener but has been an unused substitute since
    Steve Bruce favours Jacob Murphy at right back using Krafth at centre back

Fulham have asked about Newcastle United full back Emil Krafth but the Sweden international is unsure about dropping out of the Premier League.

Manager Steve Bruce needs players out before he can bring in his prime target midfielder Hamza Choudhury from Leicester City.

Fulham want a right back and the 27-year-old is one of the names on their list as they make enquiries and sift through available names before the window slams shut tonight.


Fulham have asked about Newcastle United's Emil Krafth (right) but the full back is unsure

Krafth joined Newcastle alongside Joelinton, Jetro Willems and Allan Saint-Maximin in 2019 from French side Amiens and has two years remaining on his £58,000-per-week contract.

The right back only joined the Ligue 1 side on a permanent deal earlier that summer after spending the previous season on loan, making 35 appearances.

Krafth started for Newcastle in their season opener against West Ham but has since been left as an unused substitute in their last two league games.

The Sweden international has been used as a centre back after Jacob Murphy established himself as Steve Bruce's first choice at right back.

But Fulham boss Marco Silva wants to restore Krafth to his original position at Craven Cottage.

Fulham have also made an enquiry regarding Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah but are pursuing other options including Swansea's Matt Grimes.

Swansea are signing Olivier Ntcham with the former Manchester City and Celtic midfielder undergoing a medical.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9943897/Fulham-enquire-Emil-Krafth-defender-doesnt-want-drop-Premier-League.html

[WhiteJC]

EFL on Sky: 11 games to be shown live in October

Sky Sports Football to show 11 more games from the Sky Bet EFL in October - including huge derby weekend clashes between West Brom and Birmingham, Fulham vs QPR and Swansea vs Cardiff from October 15-17

Sky Sports has announced 11 games to be shown live on Sky Sports Football in October.

There are 10 games already set to be shown live on Sky Sports Football in September, and there are now 11 more set to be shown live in October.

Stoke and West Brom meet for a Friday night clash under the lights at the bet365 Stadium on Friday, October 1, while the next day will see another early frontrunner in Fulham head to Coventry for a Saturday lunchtime match.

Then, following the October international break, the Championship will return with a bang with three huge rivalries across three days.

On Friday October 15 it is West Brom vs Birmingham at The Hawthorns, the following day we head to west London for a lunchtime clash between Fulham and QPR, then on Sunday, we move on to South Wales, where Swansea take on Cardiff.

Then, on Saturday 30 the two early pace-setters in the Championship, Fulham and West Brom, meet at Craven Cottage in a 12.30pm kick-off.

Here are is the list of every game so far confirmed to be shown on Sky Sports Football in September and October...

Confirmed EFL games on Sky Sports Football

September
Mon 6: Bolton vs Burton, kick-off 8pm

Fri 10: Birmingham vs Derby, kick-off 8pm

Sun 12: Nottingham Forest vs Cardiff, kick-off 2.30pm

Tues 14: Bournemouth vs QPR, kick-off 7.45pm - five other Championship games live across Sky Sports

Wed 15: Stoke vs Barnsley, kick-off 8pm - five other Championship games live across Sky Sports

Sat 18: Hull vs Sheffield United, kick-off 12.30pm

Fri 24: West Brom vs QPR, kick-off 8pm

Sat 25: Reading vs Middlesbrough, kick-off 12.30pm

Tues 28: Middlesbrough vs Sheffield United, kick-off 7.45pm - five other Championship games live across Sky Sports

Wed 29: Fulham vs Swansea, kick-off 7.45pm - five other Championship games live across Sky Sports

October
Fri 1: Stoke vs West Brom, kick-off 7.45pm

Sat 2: Coventry vs Fulham, kick-off 12.30pm

Sat 9: Forest Green vs Swindon, kick-off 12pm

Fri 15: West Brom vs Birmingham, kick-off 8pm

Sat 16: Fulham vs QPR, kick-off 12.30pm

Sun 17: Swansea vs Cardiff, kick-off 12pm

Tues 19: Stoke vs Bournemouth, kick-off 7.45pm

Wed 20: Swansea vs West Brom, kick-off 7.45pm

Sat 23: Cardiff vs Middlesbrough, kick-off 12.30pm

Fri 29: QPR vs Nottingham Forest, kick-off 7.45pm

Sat 30: Fulham vs West Brom, kick-off 12.30pm



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12395844/efl-on-sky-11-games-to-be-shown-live-in-october

[WhiteJC]

Extended Deal & Loan For Frank

The Club can confirm that André-Frank Zambo Anguissa has extended his contract with Fulham before joining Napoli on loan for the duration of this season.

Anguissa's extended deal now ties him to Craven Cottage until the summer of 2024.

The midfielder has made 66 appearances so far for the Whites, including three this season, and now joins up with Luciano Spalletti's side, who currently sit fifth in Serie A.

We would like to wish Frank all the best during his loan spell in Italy.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Extended-Deal-Loan-For-Frank/

[WhiteJC]

Report: £5m Newcastle man Bruce says will 'never, ever let you down' wary of last-ditch transfer

Emil Krafth is unsure about leaving Newcastle United for Fulham after the Championship side made a last-ditch approach for a Deadline Day deal, per the Daily Mail (31/8, 15:40).

Marco Silva is keen to further strengthen the defence he adopted from Scott Parker this summer with the Sweden right-back. Yet the Cottagers actually boast the joint-best record in the second-tier after only allowing three goals in five games.

Only Birmingham have also conceded three times so far this season, but sit eighth while Fulham top the Championship table. The west London outfit, along with fellow recently-relegated side West Brom, are also the only second-tier sides to win four of their matches.

But Krafth is hesitant to accept Silva's late-window approach to join Fulham from Newcastle. The 27-year-old is wary of dropping down a division and is considering fighting for his future at St James' Park under Steve Bruce, instead.

Bruce has only fielded the 32-cap full-back once in the Premier League this season, coming on the opening day. Krafth played 85 minutes of the Toon's 4-2 loss at home to West Ham in an unnatural centre-half role.

Krafth also made five of his 16 top-flight outings in the heart of the Magpies' backline last term, rather than the £5m signing from 2019's favoured right-back. Bruce has also elected to utilise Jacob Murphy at wing-back in each of United's three league fixtures this season.

Newcastle have been open to parting with Krafth long before Fulham began showing an interest in a potential late transfer. The Sun reported back in July that the Toon would likely look to move him on again, after rejecting chances to leave Tyneside in January.

Should Newcastle force Krafth to accept late Fulham transfer?
Newcastle will likely want to offload Krafth in the final hours of the summer market, amid late-window interest from Fulham. Bruce is unlikely to field the Sweden full-back anywhere near as often as needed to justify his £58,000-per-week salary.

Bruce would also be glad to free a large chunk of the Magpies' wage bill to make some last-ditch deals. Newcastle remain in talks with Leicester over a temporary move for midfielder Hamza Choudhury, per Sky Sports. But the Englishman's wage has proven to be a hurdle.

Offloading Krafth to Fulham could help Newcastle and Bruce sign Choudhury, then. Taking away one piece of the puzzle Bruce seemingly does not want, for one he does. But also removing a piece of the puzzle that Bruce praised earlier this year.

"The beauty of [Krafth] is the versatility," Bruce said, via The Shields Gazette, after fielding him at centre-back against Leicester. "What he does give that position is pace, which is important when you're outside of a centre-back. I'm pleased with the versatility. He's a great pro. He'll never, ever let you down, so I'm pleased for him that he's got his first goal."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/08/31/newcastle-united-transfer-gossip-krafth-fulham-deadline-day-report/