Friday Fulham Stuff - 22/07/22...

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest open door for Fulham to sign £9m man this week

How many left-sided defenders do one club need? It's only two months since Jack Colback started the Championship play-off final between Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield Town due to a paucity of alternative options for a position that has given many a City Ground boss enough headaches to prop up the Aspirin industry.

Flash forward to the third week in July and Forest suddenly find themselves bursting at the seams with left-backs. Omar Richards has joined from Bayern Munich. Harry Toffolo completed his move from Wembley opponents Huddersfield.

The two-footed Neco Williams has also performed impressively for Wales in a left-sided role while, according to The Athletic, talks to bring in Alex Moreno from Real Betis are underway too. 

And that's without mentioning Colback; A central midfielder by trade but one who performed admirably on the flanks during Cooper's fabulous first season in the hottest of managerial hot seats.

So, while we've learned not to rule anything out in this strangest and most unpredictable of transfer windows, it's probably safe to assume that Ruben Vinagre won't be donning Garibaldi Red any time soon.

Fulham could sign Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Vinagre this week

According to O Jogo, Sporting Lisbon are hoping to reach an agreement over Vinagre's future before the week is out. The former Wolves youngster, despite only joining the 2021 Primeira Liga champions for £9 million last year, is available for loan after failing to win over the highly-vaunted head coach Ruben Amorim.

A Bola add that Nottingham Forest and Fulham are the two clubs willing to offer Vinagre a fresh start. The arrivals of Richards and Toffolo at Forest, however, should turn a two-horse race into a bit of a procession.

One Sporting player – Joao Palhinha – has already swapped Lisbon for London this summer. Vinagre could be following in his footsteps at some point in the next few days.

Fulham are currently stepping up their pre-season preparations over in Portugal, taking part in the Algarve Cup. And there may be a seat on the plane for Vinagre when the time comes to return to England.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/07/21/nottingham-forest-open-door-for-fulham-to-sign-9m-man-this-week/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham FC reportedly names W88 as shirt sponsor

Premier League newcomers Fulham FC has reportedly agreed a deal with W88 that will see the Asia focused online casino and sports betting operator become front of shirt sponsor.

The potential move comes amid much debate on the future of such alliances, with rumours of a government imposed sanction as part of the much delayed Gambling Act review or voluntary ban by England's top flight clubs continuing to swirl.

The Craven Cottage-based side have yet to release kits for the new season, which gets underway on Friday 5 August, and have therefore kept any front of shirt placement under wraps.

However, in a move picked up by many, W88 was named as Fulham's shirt sponsor in the official Premier League Handbook 2022/23 that was published this week. It should be noted that the listing was subsequently removed and now reads 'to be advised'.

Should the partnership be confirmed in due course, W88, which is no stranger to the Premier League following past deals with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, would replace World Mobile.

However, despite stepping back from its previous deal, the blockchain-based mobile network extended its Fulham partnership to become sleeve sponsor for the coming season.

During 2021, the Fulham Supporters Trust conducted a wide ranging survey which discovered that "a significant proportion of fans are uncomfortable with Fulham being sponsored by a gambling brand".

It was reported that 47 per cent of 1,400 respondents believe that gambling should be banned from sponsorship in football altogether, with 46 per cent said to be uncomfortable with the club's main sponsor being from the industry.

Last month, fellow Premier League outfit Everton disclosed a club-record sponsorship deal with cryptocurrency betting and gaming operator Stake which has subsequently received backlash from fans.



https://casinobeats.com/2022/07/20/fulham-reportedly-names-w88-sponsor/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's Greatest Scorer: Mitrović

It was Aleksandar Mitrović's quite frankly ridiculous 2021/22 season which sparked this debate as to who Fulham's best ever goal scorer is, and now it's time for the big man to have his case put forward.

Anyone who's read Jacqui Button and Lorraine Hughes' blog in recent years will know of their affection for Mitro, so they popped into Motspur Park to put forward the argument for a man who is just four goals shy of a century for the Club.

Aleksandar Mitrović

Fulham apps: 177

Fulham goals: 96

Next up: Dave Kidd on Louis Saha



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/july/21/fulhams-greatest-scorer-aleksandar-mitrovic/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham U21s win at Margate

Matt Dibley-Dias, Luciano D'Auria-Henry and Callum McFarlane were on the scoresheet as Fulham's under 21s inflicted Margate's first defeat of pre-season at Hartsdown Park last night.

The friendly, scheduled following Martial Godo's move from Margate to the Whites last year, was Steve Wigley's side's first outing back on these shores after a successful tour of Portugal last week. The visitors were two goals to the good inside the opening twenty minutes. Godo had a hand in the first goal, latching onto a lovely ball over the home defence from Ollie O'Neill and locating Dibley-Dias, with the Kiwi-born midfielder finding the bottom corner emphatically.

The Whites went two up when D'Auria-Henry's drive from distance took a wicked deflection and curled in off the post. Margate were industrious and, after almost gaining a foothold in the contest through a Harvey Araujo backpass that went horribly wrong, deservedly scored just before the break. D'Auria-Henry was booked for a foul on the dangerous Josh Oliver and a wonderfully whipped in free-kick was tapped in by Kieran McCann.

The non-league side were spirited after the interval with a trialist heading against the bar, but Fulham looked much more fluent once summer signing Kristian Sekularac stepped off the bench. The Swiss midfielder went on a stunning run to set up a chance for Ollie Sanderson before the Whites made the game safe through a fine McFarlane finish from an acute angle with two minutes to play.

Fulham's under 21s are in action again on Saturday morning against Ipswich Town's youngsters at Playford Road.

MARGATE (4-2-3-1): Bridle-Card; Trialist, Trialist (Knight 60), Hudson (Ojemen 60), Fisher (Trialist 60); Trialist, Cole (Blackman 60), Howard (Bessey-Saldanha 60), McCann (Greenhsalgh 60), Oliver (Oluwesemo 60); Nketiah (Smith 60).

GOAL: McCann (45+1).

FULHAM UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): Allen; D'Auria-Henry, Araujo, Bowat, C. Robinson; Williams, Okkas; Godo, O'Neill, Dibley-Dias; McFarlane. Subs: McNally, Parkes, McCoy-Splatt, Sekularac, Sanderson.

GOALS: Dibley-Dias (10), D'Auria-Henry (20), McFarlane (88).

ATTENDANCE: 592



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/07/fulham-u21s-win-at-margate/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham set to confirm Kevin Mbabu signing with medical scheduled

Fulham have finally secured a deal to sign Wolfsburg defender Kevin Mbabu, with the player set for a medical on Thursday, 90min understands.

The Cottagers have been chasing Mbabu all summer, after they missed out on top right-back target Neco Williams - who has joined Nottingham Forest.

Last month 90min reported that, despite claims elsewhere, a deal had not quite been agreed. However, the two clubs have now at last hammered out an agreement.

90min understands that Fulham are paying Wolfsburg £6m initially with further add-ons to come if certain conditions are met.

Mbabu is adding plenty of experience to the Cottagers' backline. After a slow start to his career - he made just three league appearances for Newcastle between 2013 and 2017 - the Switzerland international has been a regular in the Bundesliga for some time.

Last season, Mbabu made 31 appearances in all competitions for Wolfsburg, registering one assist in the process.

Mbabu is set to become the Fulham's third signing of the window with Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira previously joining from Sporting CP and Manchester United respectively.

A deal is also in place for Manor Solomon to join on a season-long loan from Shakhtar Donetsk, but 90min understands that administrative red tape is preventing the club confirming his arrival.



https://www.90min.com/posts/fulham-set-to-confirm-kevin-mbabu-signing-with-medical-scheduled

[WhiteJC]

Player 'close' to joining Fulham – Deal 'about to be finalised', sat out of training today

Wolfsburg defender Kevin Mbabu is 'close' to joining Fulham, and a deal is 'about to be finalised'.

That's according to BILD, who say the Switzerland defender is 'expected to sign' for Marco Silva's side this weekend at the latest.

The newspaper reports that Fulham will pay €6-8m for Mbabu, who sat out training on Thursday to avoid any last-minute problems scuppering the move.

Mbabu has slight muscular problems and neither the club nor the player want to take a risk and jeopardise the transfer. He was, though, still in Wolfsburg today.

The deal could have been completed earlier, but the defender's contract demands of €3m a year were too high for Fulham.

He's now lowered those demands, enabling a move to Craven Cottage to go through as soon as possible.

The next step is for him to fly to London and undergo a medical, which seems likely to be done sooner rather than later, given BILD predict the move could be wrapped up by the weekend.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-close-joining-fulham-deal-finalised-expected-sign-weekend/

[WhiteJC]

£6m man set for Fulham after lowering £50k-a-week wages, deal imminent

Premier League newcomers Fulham are set to seal the signing of Wolfsburg's Bundesliga right-back Kevin Mbabu after the Switzerland international agreed to reduce his wage demands, as reported by BILD.

There was a bit of a hold up earlier this month, Fulham's deal for the one-time Newcastle United youngster hitting the buffers. 

Did Mbabu have concerns about joining a club who's last two seasons in the top-flight ended in relegation? Did he want to stay and fight for his place at Wolfsburg? 

According to BILD, the reason for the delay was not down to any doubts on Mbabu's part. It was, instead, simply the sort of wrangling you would expect to see during contract negotiations.

Mbabu, the report adds, wanted around £50,000-a-week at Craven Cottage. Now, he's agreed to accept a lower wage. 

Fulham could seal Kevin Mbabu deal within 48 hours

Fulham will pay around £6 million for the rampaging right-back, one of the best in his position over in Germany before losing his starting spot at the Volkswagen Arena to the excellent Germany international Riedle Baku.

Mbabu was left out of Wolfsburg's squad for last week's friendly clash with KV Mechelen. He should become a Fulham player 'by the weekend at the latest', to quote BILD, after missing training on Thursday morning (Wolfsburger Allgemeine).

The 27-year-old former Rangers loanee will fill a Neco Williams-shaped void in Marco Silva's squad. Williams joined Nottingham Forest in a £17 million deal this month after helping the Cottagers win the Championship title during an impressive loan spell at the City Ground. 

Mbabu is far from guaranteed a starting spot at Fulham, however. Kenny Tete is not going to give up his place without a fight. The Dutchman would relish a return to Ajax, but that can wait for the time being.

The Cottagers have already signed Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira this summer. Luca Pellegrini and Issa Diop could also arrive. Shakhtar Donetsk's CEO Sergei Palkin, meanwhile, says that Manor Solomon will be a Fulham player in 2022/23.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/07/21/6m-man-set-for-fulham-after-lowering-50k-a-week-wages-deal-imminent/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham closing in on Mbabu signing

Fulham are on course to conclude a deal to sign Wolfsburg right-back Kevin Mbabu.

Talks over personal terms are ongoing and Wolfsburg are open to selling the defender.

Mbabu made 24 Bundesliga appearances last season as well as six in the Champions League.

Whites boss Marco Silva has been keen to add a new right-back following the departure of Neco Williams, who was on loan from Liverpool last season.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-closing-in-on-mbabu-signing

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'continue to hope' for transfer deal – 'No agreement' despite player 'still saying yes'

Arsenal and Fulham are yet to reach an agreement over goalkeeper Bernd Leno, despite the German being keen on the move.

That's according to journalist Florian Plettenburg, who says Fulham 'continue to hope' that the Gunners will lower their demands.

Leno has been heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer after falling down the pecking order following Aaron Ramsdale's arrival last summer.

He played the number two role last season and could be further pushed down the list of options by the arrival of Matt Turner this year.

He's subsequently been linked with a move to Fulham, but it's been made clear from Germany that negotiations are not moving quickly.

Plettenburg continues on that line today, stating that there is 'still no agreement' between the two sides.

According to him, Fulham continue to hope that Arsenal will 'come down with the price' before the end of the transfer window.

He says Leno is 'still saying yes' to the transfer but is waiting for the two clubs to strike an agreement. Negotiations, though, are 'open-ended', so there is still a possibility that will happen.

Update #Leno: Still no agreement between Fulham and Arsenal. Fulham continues to hope that Arsenal will come down with the price. Open end. Leno is still saying YES to this transfer. @SkySportDE 🇩🇪

Meanwhile #Mbabu to Fulham is close to be done and in final stages.

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 21, 2022

http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-continue-hope-transfer-deal-no-agreement-despite-player-still-saying-yes/

[WhiteJC]

West Ham player 'still tempted' by exit – Clubs have agreement, Moyes standing in the way

Despite an agreement being reached between West Ham and Fulham for the transfer of Issa Diop, the deal hasn't really progressed.

The reason was reported a few days ago, with then RMC Sport (now L'Equipe) journalist Loïc Tanzi claiming that David Moyes had stopped everything.

That's because the West Ham manager wanted to wait before making a final decision, which has now somehow paid off following the injury to new signing Nayef Aguerd.

This is what L'Equipe claim, in an article written by Hugo Delom, recalling that 'an agreement exists for the past 10 days between West Ham and Fulham for a transfer of around €20m'.

However, with Aguerd expected to be out for the next two months, Moyes has 'decided to keep the former Toulouse player'.

Down the defender's end, while he doesn't have a lot of say in the matter, he is 'still tempted by an exit' as he only has one year left on his contract at London Stadium.

This means Fulham now have to wait and see what happens, despite agreeing to pay €20m or so for the centre-back.

Our guess is that if nothing happens in the coming days, they might start looking elsewhere.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/west-ham-player-still-tempted-exit-clubs-agreement-moyes-standing-way/

[WhiteJC]

Defender to have Fulham medical tomorrow ahead of €5.5m+ move being completed

As Fulham get closer on the signing of Wolfsburg defender Kevin Mbabu, it's now the Italian media who shares the latest updates on this chase.

Outlet TuttoMercatoWeb writes that following an agreement between the clubs, the 27-year-old is set to have his medicals on Friday.

The website writes that Fulham and Wolfsburg agreed to a €7.5m package, with an initial fee of €5.5m plus €2m in add-ons. The Bundesliga side are also set to have 10% of a future transfer.

Earlier today, we'd already seen the German media talking about how close the move was.

Bild wrote that the player didn't even train on Thursday just so he could avoid any last-minute problems that could risk the move falling through.

That report had claimed that Fulham would pay between €6m and €8m for the signing, so that's pretty close to what TuttoMercatoWeb are reporting.

Bild also claimed that Mbabu initially asked for a salary worth €3m per season, and with Marco Silva's side taking a step back, he ended up lowering the demands to get to a deal.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/defender-medical-tomorrow-ahead-e5-5m-fulham-move-completed/

[WhiteJC]

What is the latest news with Rodrigo Muniz's situation at Fulham amid Middlesbrough transfer talk?

Both Fulham and Middlesbrough were said to be interested in Rodrigo Muniz last summer although Fulham won the race to secure the services of the 21-year-old.

However, in the past season the forward probably didn't play as often as he would've hoped having been back up to Aleksandar Mitrovic and he made 25 league appearances starting just two of those games.

The youngster did manage to contribute five goals showing there is potential there but given the Cottagers achieved promotion up to the Premier League last season, it looks unlikely that his game time would increase next year.

However, according to journalist Vene Casagrande, Boro are interested in making a move for the player again and his parent club could be open to letting him go out on loan for the upcoming season.

With the season quickly approaching, this looks like signing that could be highly beneficial to Chris Wilder's side next year.

Following the departures of the likes of Folarin Balogun and Aaron Connolly at the end of their loan deals at the end of the season, as well as Uche Ikpeazu and Chuba Akpom being able to leave the club, Boro could really use some attacking reinforcements.

Furthermore, given the club are searching for promotion next year, to make sure they have the strength to score goals is vital for them.

Given Fulham probably won't have a big chance for him in their side next year, to send the 21-year-old out on loan to a league where he has already shown glimpses of talent, would allow their player to develop his game to put him in a position where he could play for the Cottagers again.

Middlesbrough haven't yet made an official move for this deal but it does look to be one that would benefit all parties so this is one we could see go through before the window slams shut on September 1st.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/what-is-the-latest-news-with-rodrigo-munizs-situation-at-fulham-amid-middlesbrough-transfer-talk/

[WhiteJC]

Issa Diop transfer update with David Moyes causing big problem for the West Ham defender

West Ham have an agreement in place to sell Issa Diop to Fulham and the player himself wants to leave this summer.

That's according to a report from L'Equipe who claim that Hammers boss David Moyes is the one holding up the deal at the moment.

This is obviously because new signing Nayef Aguerd limped off against Rangers with an ankle injury at Ibrox on Tuesday night.

At the start of the summer it was suggested that Moyes wanted to sell Diop but the Scot apparently then performed a U-turn and thought that it might be worth keeping the 25-year-old at the London Stadium.

Much will depend on how long Aguerd is ruled out for.

If the Moroccan returns to action with the next couple of weeks, Issa Diop could well be on his way out of West Ham...

Issa Diop keen to leave West Ham

L'Equipe reckon that the Hammers have a deal in place with Fulham to sell the the 25-year-old centre-back for €20 million (£17 million)

The 6ft 4in defender wants to leave the London Stadium to join the Cottagers but as things stand, David Moyes is putting a stop to it.

If Aguerd isn't out for too long we believe that Moyes quite simply must sell Diop, especially if Fulham are prepared to pay £17 million!

Diop is now the fifth-choice West Ham centre-back, behind Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma, Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson in the pecking order.

fter arriving at the London Stadium in the summer of 2018 for around £25 million (The Express), Diop was one of the very best central defenders in the Premier League during his debut season.

The 25-year-old, who earns around £63k-a-week according to Football League FC, experienced a poor 2020/21 campaign though and was nowhere near his best last season either.

The 6ft 4in defender really hasn't been great for West Ham at all over the past two years in all fairness.

As far as we're concerned, he clearly isn't good enough to be playing regular Premier League football – not for the Hammers anyway.

£17 million for the 25-year-old would represent fantastic value for the East London outfit.

And we would be very surprised if Issa Diop is still a West Ham player when the transfer window closes in around six week's time.



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/issa-diop-transfer-update-with-david-moyes-causing-big-problem-for-the-west-ham-defender/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Turn To Bernd Leno Alternative, Signficant Difference Remains With Arsenal

Fulham are turning their attention towards an alternative to Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno and are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico on loan, according to Sky Sports News.

Leno has been Fulham's top target all summer and the German is very much interested in moving to Craven Cottage as he looks for regular game time in the Premier League.

Arsenal are also prepared to sell him after signing Matt Turner, but negotiations between the two clubs have not been smooth.

There is a significant difference between what Arsenal want and what Fulham are prepared to pay, and the Cottagers are waiting for the Gunners to revise their financial demands.

And it has been claimed that Fulham are now looking at alternatives to Leno and are interested in signing Rico; he spent the 2018/19 campaign at Fulham on loan.

The Spaniard spent last season on loan at Mallorca and is not part of Christophe Galtier's plans for next season.

PSG are open to moving him on and Fulham are considering taking him to west London on a season-long loan deal.

Leno is still their preferred target and the German may be hoping that Arsenal will revise their conditions.

But Fulham are identifying contingencies and Rico is one of the goalkeepers they are looking at this summer.



https://insidefutbol.com/2022/07/21/fulham-turn-to-bernd-leno-alternative-signficant-difference-remains-with-arsenal/569143/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham close to signing Kevin Mbabu from Wolfsburg

Fulham are close to signing Kevin Mbabu from Wolfsburg, The Athletic understands.

The two clubs have agreed a fee worth €5.5million (£4.7million, $5.6million) and a further €2.2million (£1.9million, $2.2million) in add ons for the Switzerland international, with a 10 per cent sell on clause.

It is understood that negotiations regarding personal terms have progressed positively and Mbabu will travel to Portugal tonight, where Fulham are currently on preseason tour, ahead of a medical planned for tomorrow. Once final details are confirmed, he will then link up with Marco Silva's side.

The 27-year-old right-back is set to provide competition for Dutch international Kenny Tete.

Mbabu qualifies as a homegrown player, having previously played in the Premier League for Newcastle United. He made three appearances during the 2015-16 season, and spent four years in total on Tyneside. He joined the club as a 17-year-old in 2013 from Swiss Super League side Servette.

In 2017, he left the club for Young Boys in Switzerland, before joining Wolfsburg ahead of the 2019-20 season. He made 24 Bundesliga appearances last season and has been capped 22 times by Switzerland.

Fulham had looked at signing Neco Williams permanently from Liverpool after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Craven Cottage. However, his price tag was seen as prohibitive and the Wales international has now joined Nottingham Forest for a fee worth up to £17 million.

Mbabu is set to become Fulham's third official signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira from Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United respectively. The club have also all-but signed Manor Solomon from Shakhtar Donetsk, with his transfer unable to be processed until August 1, per new FIFA rules.



https://theathletic.com/news/fulham-kevin-mbabu-wolfsburg-transfer/hNnQVBLdPJmI/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham set sights on Ligue 1 man as latest transfer update emerges

The latest Fulham transfer news emerges.

Fulham are reportedly interested in PSG goalkeeper Sergio Rico.

The Cottagers are said to be keen on luring the once-capped Spain international back to England in this window.

Marco Silva's side have been trying to land Arsenal stopper Bernd Leno but may now switch their attentions elsewhere, with Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth tweeting (see below):

Fulham interested in signing PSG keeper Sergio Rico on loan. Rico had loan spell at Fulham in 2018/19. Fulham have been in talks with Arsenal over Bernd Leno but gap in valuation remains. #SergioRico #FFC #PSG

— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) July 21, 2022

New Fulham target

Rico, 28, has been on the books at PSG since 2020 and has mainly been used as a back-up option with the Ligue 1 side.

He has made just 14 appearances in all competitions for the French giants and was shipped out on loan to Real Mallorca last term.

The 'keeper still has a couple of years left on his contract at the Parc des Princes but his future is up in the air right now amid reported interest from his former club.

Rico spent the 2018/19 campaign on loan at Fulham from Sevilla and made 32 appearances, 29 of which came in the Premier League.

The London club are in the hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer to compete with Marek Rodak and Paulo Gazzaniga and he could fit the bill.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-set-sights-on-psg-man-3777775

[WhiteJC]

Fulham ready to reprise Rico loan

Fulham have identified a Craven Cottage return for Sergio Rico as an alternative to signing Bernd Leno as protracted negotiations with Arsenal for the German international goalkeeper continue, according to various reports this afternoon.

Marco Silva wants to replace Marek Rodak as the Whites' first-choice goalkeeper ahead of their return to the Premier League, but Arsenal are holding out for £15m for their 30 year-old third choice custodian, having rejected offers worth £8.5m and £10m for Leno, who is the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium. Fulham are still hopeful of concluding a deal bring Leno across the capital – with the player currently in Florida on Arsenal's pre-season tour – but are considering other options with their opening game against Liverpool only sixteen days away.

Rico spent the 2018/2019 campaign on loan with Fulham from Sevilla, conceding 59 goals in 32 games after replacing Marcus Bettinelli in the starting line-up as the Whites were relegated from the top flight. The Spanish international then moved to Paris Saint-Germain but has struggled for game time at the Parc des Princes and spent the second half of last season on loan with Mallorca. The 28 year-old was dropped after letting in six goals against relegation rivals Granada and made just fifteen appearances as Javier Aguirre's outfit beat the drop by a single point.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/07/fulham-ready-to-reprise-rico-loan/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'make Barkley enquiry'

Fulham have reportedly approached Chelsea about the possibility of signing England international Ross Barkley on loan, according to reports this afternoon.

The 28 year-old attacking midfielder is also a target for Frank Lampard at Everton and Chelsea are keen to offload a number of fringe players to facilitate further spending for Thomas Tuchel before the start of the new season. Barkley, who joined Chelsea from Goodison Park for £15m in January 2018, made just fourteen appearances for Chelsea last season – scoring a single goal. Fulham were interested in bringing in Barkley on loan the last time they were in the Premier League, but after the midfielder chose Aston Villa instead, they opted for Reuben Loftus-Cheek.

Barkley, who has 33 senior caps for England and scored six goals, established himself as one of the country's most exciting young talents after breaking through at Everton, being voted the club's young player of the year in 2013 and and 2014. The creative midfielder, once described by Roberto Martinez as a blend of Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack, made 179 appearances in eight years with the Toffees, scoring 27 goals. He has struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge – and could well be on the move before the close of the transfer window.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/07/fulham-make-barkley-enquiry/

[WhiteJC]

Bournemouth And Fulham Showing Interest In Colombia International

Bournemouth and Fulham are showing interest in signing Genk defender Jhon Lucumi, who has also attracted attention from Serie A side Atalanta.

Both Bournemouth and Fulham are keen to continue to strengthen over the course of the summer transfer window and defensive reinforcements are on their agenda.

The Premier League pair are showing interest in Colombia international Lucumi, according to Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra.

The 24-year-old centre-back is on the books at Belgian side Genk, but they are willing to sell him this summer for the right price.

He has just a year left on his contract in Belgium and Genk want to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

Lucumi also has interest from Atalanta, but the Italian side have not made any concrete moves towards signing him.

Genk snapped up the defender from Colombian side Deportivo Cali in 2018 and he won the Belgian league title with the club in the 2018/19 campaign.

The Belgian Cup followed in 2020/21 and Lucumi has clocked 134 appearances for the club.

He has been capped at international level by Colombia.



https://insidefutbol.com/2022/07/21/bournemouth-and-fulham-showing-interest-in-colombia-international/569176/

[WhiteJC]

Ticket Exchange Temporarily Unavailable

The Club wishes to advise supporters that, owing to technical issues currently being experienced with our ticketing provider, the official ticket exchange service is temporarily unavailable.

Season Ticket Holders who do want to list any seats for our game versus Liverpool on Saturday 6th August can email [email protected] - please ensure your message includes all details relevant to the seat you wish to list, including the ticket holder's name, client reference number and seat location.

Please do not attempt to list a seat online or attempt to purchase through the ticket exchange portal until the online service re-opens, which will be communicated on fulhamfc.com

Thank you for your patience and understanding.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/july/21/ticket-exchange-/