Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 23/08/22...

[WhiteJC]

Crawley Matchday Preview

Crawley Town v Fulham | Tuesday 23rd August 2022 | 7.45pm | Broadfield Stadium | #CRAFUL

The opposition

    Crawley appointed former Fulham player and Academy coach Kevin Betsy in the summer, a first senior role for the 44-year-old following spells with England and Arsenal.
    It's been a baptism of fire for Betsy, with the Reds currently sitting second bottom in League Two, having taken one point from their opening five matches. They've all been tight contests, though, with Saturday's 2-0 defeat by AFC Wimbledon the first time they've been beaten by more than one goal.
    Their solitary win of the campaign came in Round One of the Carabao Cup, with Tom Nichols' strike earning them a 1-0 victory over Bristol Rovers at Broadfield.

Crawley team news

Left-back Nick Tsaroulla will feature following two months sidelined, but veteran Tony Craig sits out after receiving a red card at the weekend.

Fulham team news

Wingers Harry Wilson, Manor Solomon and Neeskens Kebano will be absent in West Sussex, while Marco Silva has confirmed that we will see new signings and young players involved at Broadfield.

Player insight

Shane Duffy has played at Broadfield Stadium many times in friendlies for Brighton & Hove Albion, and is hoping for another appearance on Tuesday night.

"I'll be really excited," he said of potentially making a full Fulham debut. "I'm really looking forward to playing and getting a first start under my belt.

"It's been a really enjoyable couple of weeks for me, I'm loving it at the minute, and the more games I can get, the better, and hopefully as a team we can keep winning and keep the momentum going."

Tickets

All tickets, home and away, have sold out for the tie.

Weather

A mild night in Crawley, with temperatures still north of 20 degrees at kick-off.

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.

Penalties

If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the winner will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/august/23/crawley-matchday-preview/

[WhiteJC]

Basingstoke Town announce a link with Fulham

Partnership at Academy level agreed
Pitching In Isthmian South Central side Basingstoke Town have announced a link up with Premier League side Fulham. The agreement between the clubs will particularly focus on player and coach development, player care, and recruitment.

Basingstoke Town Director of Football, Mike Gilham, explained:

"We, as a club, are acting on the realisation of a shared football philosophy with Fulham FC, and that's why we felt forming a partnership was a logical step to take.

Both clubs have similar thoughts regarding how they develop players and coaches and the partnership is mutually beneficial. The deal is based on the similar values instilled in both clubs and the shared commitments to a few important areas."



https://www.isthmian.co.uk/basingstoke-town-announce-a-link-with-fulham-72056

[WhiteJC]

'We're not happy': Agent admits Fulham want to sign his £14m client

The agent of Serie A winger Musa Barrow has confirmed the interest from Premier League high-flyers Fulham, while telling Il Resto del Carlino that Bologna are demanding a fee in the region of £14 million.

It's been a long time since Barrow's name was mentioned as a potential addition to Marco Silva's Fulham squad.

With the Cottagers turning their attention to Roma misfit Justin Kluivert and free-agent Willian, a prospective move to West London for the 23-year-old Gambia international appeared to have gone by the wayside.

There is still time for that to change, however.

Negotiations over a potential £8 million deal for Kluivert continue to stagger on, and Fulham could potentially come back to Barrow if an agreement with Roma cannot be reached before next week's transfer deadline.

Justin Kluivert or Musa Barrow for Fulham?
"Torino want him. There are also requests from Nice and Fulham," says Luigi Sorrentino, agent of the one-time Atalanta youngster.

"But the demands of Bologna to date block his exit. The demand is around 16 million euros (£14 million). What I ask myself is, can you ask for 16 million for a guy who doesn't even play?"

Barrow has featured for just 17 minutes in Bologna's first two Serie A games of the new season. A surprise, when you consider he was one of the Rossoblu's best performers across 2021/22 – scoring six times and setting up seven more in the Italian top flight.

"(Can) I say that Musa remains one hundred per cent at Bologna? Maybe," Sorrentino adds cryptically. "We are certainly not happy."

It was Tuttomercatoweb, over two months ago, who first reported Fulham's interest in the versatile, spring-heeled Barrow. And new left-sided attacker is a must now, with Manor Solomon potentially out until the new year with a serious injury.

Willian, meanwhile, is training with the Cottagers as he bids to earn himself a contract. The former Arsenal and Chelsea man is available after leaving Corinthians earlier in August.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/08/23/were-not-happy-agent-admits-fulham-want-to-sign-his-14m-client/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham, West Ham & Bournemouth keen to sign unwanted Arsenal midfielder

Arsenal take part in just two more Premier League games before they will know the squad they have to deal with for the rest of the 2022/23 campaign.

And whilst all attention is now turning to the pursuit of Pedro Neto, the Gunners are still trying to urgently find solutions for a number of players.

As reported on Tuesday by Ryan Taylor from The Express, Ainsley Maitland-Niles is next up on the list of players who need to find a new club before September 1st.

Taylor reports that three Premier League sides including West Ham, Bournemouth and Fulham are all interested in signing the 24-year-old midfielder.

Capable of slotting in at right-back as well, Maitland-Niles is a versatile option with a cut price deal achievable given he only has one year left on his contract.

Taylor goes on to state that Mikel Arteta has made it very clear Maitland-Niles is not in his plans for the season, having not included him in a single matchday squad so far.

There were suggestions that Nottingham Forest were in for the Englishman earlier this summer, but it's believed Maitland-Niles contract demands were too high.

Arsenal could look to get the Hale End Academy graduate to sign a one-year contract extension and then send him out on loan.

The focus is on the player and his agents who will need to work hard to find a club willing to offer game time in a jam packed season affected by the World Cup.

Any potential move for £25m rated Leicester City midfielder, Youri Tielemans, could depend on how Maitland-Niles' future is resolved.



https://fresharsenal.com/report-fulham-west-ham-bournemouth-keen-to-sign-unwanted-arsenal-midfielder/

[WhiteJC]

Roma transfers: Nainggolan offers himself, the latest on Kluivert to Fulham

Ex-Roma star Radja Nainggolan has reportedly offered his services following the injury to Georginio Wijnaldum, while the Giallorossi and Fulham are yet to find an agreement for the transfer of Justin Kluivert.

José Mourinho expects two new signings before the end of the summer transfer window following injuries to Wijnaldum and Nicolò Zaniolo.

The PSG loanee will remain out of action for at least four months following a fibula injury on Sunday. Zaniolo has been ruled out for almost a month with a shoulder problem.

According to La Repubblica newspaper and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Nainggolan has offered his services to the Giallorossi. The ex-Belgium international is currently under contract with Royal Antwerp FC in Belgium.

However, former Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch seems to be higher on Tiago Pinto's list, given that the 27-year-old is available as a free agent after his contract with the Bundesliga side expired in June.

Torino's Sasa Lukic is also on Roma's radars but has recently been reintroduced to the squad after making clear that he wanted to leave. Gazzetta adds Leandro Paredes, Allan and Denis Zakaria to the Giallorossi's shopping list.

Meantime, Roma are working on sales and have yet to reach an agreement with Fulham for Kluivert. The Dutch winger is not on Mourinho's plans, but the two parties are still trying to strike a deal.

Kluiver's representative Rafaela Pimenta is in London to negotiate with Fulham, but according to Sky Sport Italia, Roma have rejected the latest offer of €3m plus add-ons.

#Calciomercato, @OfficialASRoma | Si tratta a oltranza con il @FulhamFC per #Kluivert: forbice ancora ampiahttps://t.co/GxRmFiGL0l

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) August 23, 2022

https://football-italia.net/roma-transfers-nainggolan-offers-himself-the-latest-on-kluivert-to-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Still Holding Talks To Land Everton Linked Neal Maupay

Fulham are still in talks with both Brighton and Neal Maupay's representatives in a bid to beat Everton to the former France Under-21 international, according to Sky Sports News.

The Cottagers currently sit in seventh place in the Premier League table after accumulating five points from the three games played so far, with Brighton two points ahead in fifth.

Maupay, also the Seagulls' joint record goalscorer in the Premier League, was a big part of the team that managed Brighton's best ever finish and points tally in the league at the end of the 2021/22 season.

He is looking to end his association with Brighton though as he seeks regular game time and has several sides keen on him, including Frank Lampard's Everton, who need attackers.

However, Fulham are pushing to win the race for Maupay and are continuing talks with Brighton in an attempt to agree a deal for his signature, while also speaking to the player's camp.

Maupay has yet to feature for Graham Potter's side this campaign, left on the bench for both of Brighton's victories away and not even making the bench for the stalemate against Newcastle at home.

Everton are currently in 17th place in the table, with just one point to their name as they struggle without a recognised centre-forward following injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

With just a little over a week to go in the transfer window, it remains to be seen whether Maupay calls Craven Cottage or Goodison Park his home.




https://insidefutbol.com/2022/08/23/fulham-still-holding-talks-to-land-everton-linked-neal-maupay/574912/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham plotting swoop for Kurzawa
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing PSG left-back Layvin Kurzawa this summer and the Frenchman could be a superb addition to Marco Silva's side.

What's the word?

According to the Evening Standard, Kurzawa is Silva's main defensive target ahead of the transfer window shutting next week, with the Cottagers looking to strengthen further after a strong start to life back in the Premier League.

Silva's side earned impressive draws against Liverpool and Wolves before earning a last-gasp win over Brentford last weekend, but the Portuguese manager is clearly keen to bolster his squad after seven signings so far this summer.

Kurzawa has lost his place in PSG's starting XI to Nuno Mendes since his arrival and has barely featured for Les Parisiens in the last 12 months, making just 19 appearances last season, so could be available at a cut-price this summer as the French champions look to get him off their books.

Silva would love him
Silva currently has Antonee Robinson and Joe Bryan available as his main left-back options in Fulham's squad, the latter of which is unlikely to be deemed good enough for the Premier League having made just 15 appearances in the Championship last season.

Therefore, with Bryan's contract set to expire at the end of this season, Silva would surely love to bring in Kurzawa, who earns £88k-per-week at PSG, as a replacement.

While the Frenchman has struggled in recent seasons for PSG – failing to register a seasonal performance rating above a 6.9 – his form with the French giants in his first few seasons, when he regularly averaged above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored, shows that he could be a quality addition at Craven Cottage.

The defender, who has dubbed himself "crazy" in the past, would bring plenty of winning experience with him should he join Fulham, having won 18 trophies during his time with PSG.

Combine that with his creative nouse – he has 23 career assists – and the boss would be adding some qualities to his ranks that he'd surely love to have considering his side lacks top-level experience.

Indeed, that experience could prove vital in both the dressing room and on the pitch as Fulham look to avoid relegation back to the Championship, and considering his pedigree and capable displays in the past, Silva should definitely look at bringing the former France international to Craven Cottage this summer.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-layvin-kurzawa-psg-marco-silva-cottagers-ffc-transfer

[WhiteJC]

Fulham get 'green light' for transfer – Player joining Silva's side on loan deal with buying option

Fulham continue to advance on the signing of AS Roma winger Justin Kluivert, according to reports from the Italian media.

The latest news on that chase comes from journalist Rudy Galetti, as he claims that the Giallorossi have now given 'the green light' for the transfer to happen.

It's said Roma had been waiting for a potential move from Ajax, who are actually more focused on signing Hakim Ziyech for Chelsea.

Tired of holding out, they now seem to have accepted Fulham's offer.

Galetti claims that Kluivert is set to move to the Craven Cottage on a loan deal, where Fulham will have an option to buy him for €9m, with other potential €3m in bonuses.

🚨🔥 #Kluivert-#Fulham, #ASRoma gave the green light to the transfer. The 🟡🔴 took a few days to wait for any moves from #Ajax, which have been then focused on #Ziyech deal.

✅🤝 As told, loan with buy clause set at €9M+bonuses (around €12M overall).🐓⚽ @Romagialloross4 #FFC https://t.co/CDcP5THdgH

— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) August 23, 2022

The 23-year-old's move to Fulham had already been reported by the same journalist on the 18th of August, when he claimed that everything was 'confirmed', with the player 'on the verge' of completing the transfer.

That time, however, Galetti claimed the green light from the Serie A side was expected to be given 'in the next hours'.

So it seems it just took a while longer for that response to come, and now it finally happened.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-get-green-light-transfer-player-joining-silvas-side-loan-deal-buying-option/

[WhiteJC]

Blackpool 'reject' Nottingham Forest's £2.5m bid for Watford, Bournemouth and Fulham target Josh Bowler
Blackpool have reportedly rejected Nottingham Forest's £2.5m bid for Josh Bowler.

Journalist Alan Nixon reported over the weekend that Forest, who have held a long-term interest, had returned with another offer with just two weeks remaining of the transfer window.

In a further update this afternoon, Nixon has claimed that bid has now been turned down with Blackpool reportedly holding out for £4m, plus extras.

The Daily Express are also reporting that Watford are now also taking an interest, joining Bournemouth and Fulham in the chase.

With Bowler out of contract at the end of the season with no option to extend, Blackpool might be forced to cash in with their player keen to test himself in the Premier League.

Speaking after Saturday's 3-3 draw against Lancashire rivals Burnley, Blackpool boss Michael Appleton said it was a case of weighing up the "risk and reward".

When asked if Bowler will remain a Blackpool player after September 1, Appleton said: "Who knows?

"There's clearly a lot of interest in the lad and we're aware he's an absolute talent. He did ever so well for the football club last season and we want him to continue to do that this season.

"We've clearly got to be in a position where if he does go, we can act quickly.

"But at the same time, I'm pretty confident my board won't allow him to go for cheap, so you've got to weigh up the risk and the reward in these situations because we know his contract is up.

"Is the reward worth the risk and they're the discussions we'll have in the next 10 days to two weeks."



https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/blackpool-reject-nottingham-forests-ps25m-bid-for-watford-bournemouth-and-fulham-target-josh-bowler-3816466

[WhiteJC]

"We are not happy" – Agent fuming at €16m transfer stance, Fulham have made 'enquiries'

The agent of Bologna winger Musa Barrow is definitely not satisfied with the situation his client is living at the Italian club, and as he works on the player's departure, the interest of Fulham is now confirmed.

This is all happening because since the start of season, the 23-year-old hasn't been give much playing time at the club.

From their three games, he was used in two, with a total of 36 minutes on the pitch.

So as agent Luigi Sorrentino spoke today to Il Resto del Carlino, he made his stance very clear, and it turns out that besides pointing out Barrow's potential departure from Bologna, he ended up revealing a few clubs who are interested in his signing, including Fulham.

"If he stays at 100%? Maybe. We are not happy. Torino wants him and enquiries have arrived from Nice and Fulham," said the agent (via Calcio Mercato).

Sorrentino also ended up complaining about the price set by Bologna for any potential transfer, whether it be to Fulham or somewhere else, claiming Barrow's lack of game time should mean a cheaper sale.

"At the moment, however, the request from the Bologna of  €16m blocks the sale. What I ask myself is: can you ask for €16m for a player who doesn't even play?"

It was in June that Fulham were first said to have 'set their sights' in Barrow.

At the time, it had already been claimed that Bologna would request over €20m for the signing, so this price tag revealed by Sorrentino may end up being not that bad, although there will be hope it can drop even further.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/not-happy-agent-fuming-e16m-transfer-stance-fulham-made-enquiries/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham continue to show 'interest' in Senegal international despite pursuing two attackers

The latest Fulham news on Tuesday.

Fulham are reportedly still keen on Marseille forward Bamba Dieng.

The Cottagers have been busy in this transfer window following their promotion from the Championship.

It doesn't appear that they have stopped their recruitment drive just yet either following their impressive start to life back in the Premier League.

As per Sky Sports, 'interest remains' from Fulham in Dieng, but they are prioritising moves for Brighton and Hove Albion's Neal Maupay and Roma's Justin Kluivert first.

Will Dieng end up at Fulham?
Dieng remains an option for Marco Silva's side up until the end of the transfer window, assuming he doesn't end up going elsewhere.

At the age of 22, he has the potential to grow and develop in the future so could prove to be a useful addition for someone this month.

The Senegal international, who already has 11 caps under his belt, has been with Marseille since 2020 after starting his career at Diambars.

He has made 42 appearances for the French Ligue 1 side so far and has chipped in with nine goals.

As mentioned before, it appears Fulham's immediate focus is on landing Maupay and Kluivert to bolster their attacking options. However, they are still said to be keeping tabs on Dieng so this is a story to keep an eye on over the next couple of weeks.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-continue-to-show-interest-in-senegal-international-despite-pursuing-two-attackers-3816649

[WhiteJC]

Report: Forest face Premier League competition to sign Championship star

Nottingham Forest face growing competition to sign Blackpool star Josh Bowler, with AFC Bournemouth and Fulham now reportedly in the race for the Championship attacker.

According to the Express, interest is growing in the 23-year-old winger as we head into the final week of the transfer window, with Watford also named as a club who could move for Bowler should Ismaila Sarr leave Vicarage Road in the remaining days of the summer market.

As per the report, Bowler has been on Forest's radar for some time, with the former Everton academy graduate impressing for Blackpool over the last 12 months with the attacker already off and running for the Tangerines this season under new manager Michael Appleton.

With eight goals and three assists in all competitions last season, Bowler was one of Blackpool's best players in their comeback year in the Championship, yet now, the second-tier side face a battle to keep hold of their star winger with Forest being joined by Bournemouth and Fulham in the race to sign the forward.

Hailed as 'magic' by David Unsworth during his time at Everton, Bowler could relish the chance to play in the Premier League after impressing for Blackpool, yet for Forest, they now face a battle to sign the talented attacker with Bournemouth and Fulham in the competition to land the 23-year-old before next week's deadline.

Indeed, Forest have been on a tear this summer with the number of signings Steve Cooper's side have made this window, yet adding Bowler could be a wise move from the former England youth manager and one that could greatly flesh out the club's attacking options for the season.

Forest have to beat Bournemouth and Fulham to Bowler signing
Forest might have spent big on over a dozen new players this summer, but when you take a deeper look at the squad's composition, there's a glaring need for a versatile wide-attacker who could come in and help out when needed, something Bowler is perfect for.

The forward has this season alone played in three different attacking positions, and for Forest, Bowler could be ideal for Cooper as a versatile option to help out in the latter stages of matches to either win the Nottingham side the match or to help steal a point against a tiring opposition defence.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/08/23/report-forest-face-premier-league-competition-to-sign-championship-star/

[WhiteJC]

Club want €4m up front and specific clause to allow player to sign for Fulham – 'Talks underway'

AS Roma are asking for €4m from Fulham and an obligation to buy worth €10m for them to sanction a loan deal for Justin Kluivert.

That's according to Foot Mercato, who reveal the Italian side's demands for the deal to go through today.

They report that the forward has agreed to join Fulham this summer and the two clubs have been in talks since last week about the move.

Roma's directors have 'specific ideas' about how the transfer will be structured and would like to receive cash if they are sanction the move.

According to their information, they want the initial loan deal for this season to cost €4m and for there to be an obligation to buy included, which would be set at €10m.

That obligation, though, would be dependent on Fulham managing to stay in the Premier League this season.

They've now made those demands clear to those in charge at Craven Cottage and 'talks are underway' between both parties.

The ball is now very much in Fulham's court, though, who have reportedly already been given the green light, according to a claim in Italy.

The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle, but the general consensus appears to be that everything is heading in the right direction.

🚨Info : Discussions en cours entre la Roma et Fulham pour Justin Kluivert 🇳🇱.

■ La Roma veut un prêt payant de 4M€ assorti d'une obligation d'achat, qui s'élèverait à 10M€, si Fulham arrive à se maintenir en PL.

■ Le joueur a déjà dit oui.https://t.co/ulnKJnQOTo

— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) August 23, 2022

http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-want-e4m-front-specific-clause-allow-player-sign-fulham-talks-underway/