Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 24/01/23...

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Monday
Fulham	0-1	Spurs

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Fulham 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Kane has scored 48 goals in Premier League London derbies, more than any other player

Harry Kane became Tottenham's all-time joint-top scorer and boosted their Champions League hopes with a goal that defeated Fulham.

The England captain hit a sweet strike into the bottom corner from just outside the box with one of their few chances in the first half.

That was his 266th goal for Spurs, levelling the record Jimmy Greaves set between 1961 and 1970.

Kane could have broken the record in the second half but his close-range header was tipped over well by Bernd Leno.

This was only a second win in six Premier League games for Antonio Conte's side, who are now just three points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

Fulham had plenty of chances to score before Kane's opener with Hugo Lloris keeping out Bobby Decordova-Reid's long-range drive and Harrison Reed's snap-shot.

But this is now a second defeat in a row and a missed chance to go above Spurs into fifth place.

The game had kicked off 18 minutes late following travel problems for fans in the area and then issues with referee Paul Tierney's communication devices.

Big night for Kane and Spurs
It has felt inevitable for a long time that Kane would become Spurs' top scorer if he did not move to another club first.

His 199th Premier League goal for Spurs in exactly 300 games means he has matched that 266-goal Greaves record, which stood for 53 years.

It was an expert Kane strike, taking Son Heung-min's pass with his back to goal, turning a defender and then picking his spot from outside the box.

It was a much-needed goal for his club too.

Spurs had only won once in the Premier League since 12 November, a run that has raised a lot of questions about Conte's future. In nine of their previous 10 league games, they conceded two or more goals. "This is an average like a team that is fighting for the relegation zone," the boss said before this game.

Spurs have started so many games slowly this season, and this match was no exception. They did not get going until the 30th minute and could easily have trailed before Kane's opener.

The second half was better, though, and Kane headed at Leno and then hammered a shot wide late on.

Lloris, who conceded six goals in his past two games - including his own goal against Arsenal - kept a much-needed clean sheet with five saves.

Fulham still flying despite loss
Consecutive defeats for surprise European chasers Fulham have come after they won five in a row. They should not be concerned, though, as those losses were against two of the only six teams in the country above them.

Marco Silva's side were unlucky to lose to Newcastle and were narrowly edged out here by one of the greatest strikers in English football history.

As well as saved first-half chances for Decordova-Reid, Reed and Willian, Aleksandar Mitrovic headed on to the roof of the net and Manor Solomon's curling effort was tipped wide by Lloris.

They had a good crack at it in six minutes of injury time but fell just short.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64286026

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Fulham 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur

For the second game in a row, Fulham came out the wrong end of a hard-fought 1-0 scoreline.

The Whites dominated the first 45 but a rare spell of Tottenham Hotspur pressure at the end of the half saw Harry Kane rifle in a record-equalling goal for the striker.

The second period was a more even encounter, but Spurs managed the game well enough to keep Fulham at bay.

Marco Silva made a solitary change to the side that was beaten at the death by Newcastle United, with Antonee Robinson returning from suspension at left-back in place of Layvin Kurzawa.

After a quarter hour delay to kick-off due to problems on the underground, Fulham began the night in a confident move, but had to wait until the 10th minute to test Hugo Lloris – the recently retired France goalkeeper getting down swiftly to Bobby De Cordova-Reid's zippy 20 yarder.

He had to be alert again two minutes later to keep out Andreas Pereira's long range free-kick, but did not have to move this time as it was straight down his throat.

Spurs retaliated at a corner, but Ben Davies could only divert Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's volley way over the bar.

The best chance came Harrison Reed's way before 19 minutes had passed. De Cordova-Reid scampered down the right before cutting back to Andreas. His first time cross was directed on target by Reed and had Lloris worried, but the goalkeeper managed to claim the ball at the second attempt before Reed could pop in his own rebound.

Heung-Min Son went into the book for a foul on Kenny Tete as we approached the half hour mark, and the South Korean will have been relieved when the VAR check was completed, having caught the Fulham man high on his ankle.

A first sighter for Kane followed, but Bernd Leno seemed confident that his swirling strike was always heading off target.

An assist from the corner flag then almost presented Tottenham with the opener as the ball fortuitously stayed in play down their right. Leno, though, was equal to Emerson Royal's near post effort.

A trademark João Palhinha tackle won possession in the middle of the park to spark Fulham's latest opener. It ended with Lloris beating away Willian's fierce shot.

Our determination to end the half in front was clear, and Palhinha will be disappointed to have headed Andreas' pinpoint free-kick into the Putney End.

But as it transpired, Spurs enjoyed their best spell of the game right at the end of the first 45, and made it count with a fine Kane strike. The England captain spun Tim Ream on the edge of the box before arrowing a perfect shot into the bottom corner.

That goal meant Kane had equalled Jimmy Greaves' Spurs record of 266, and he must have thought he'd surpassed it in the second half when he connected with Davies' nod across goal, but Leno showed incredible reflexes to parry his close range header over the bar.

At the other end, Aleksandar Mitrović was alive to Andreas' quick free-kick and got to the ball at the byline before hooking it across the face. Unfortunately, neither Palhinha nor De Cordova-Reid could tap it in.

Tom Cairney had been introduced to try and reassert the Whites' control on proceedings, and his first time cross with 15 minutes remaining was inviting for Mitrović. He beat his man and nodded back across goal, but it marginally cleared the bar.

Manor Solomon was another attacking change made by Silva, and he almost had an immediate impact when he cut in from the left and bent one inside the far post. Lloris, at full stretch, was able to tip it wide.

Fulham continued to push but our guests were managing the game well, resulting in another frustrating outing where our efforts went unrewarded.

Fulham FC: Leno, Tete (Solomon 80'), Diop, Ream, Robinson, Reed (Cairney 65'), Palhinha, Andreas Pereira, Willian (Carlos Vinícius 87'), De Cordova-Reid (Wilson 87'), Mitrović

Subs: Rodák, James, Cairney, Solomon, Carlos Vinícius, Kurzawa, Chalobah, Tosin, Wilson

Spurs: Lloris, Romero, Dier, Davies, Perisic, Emerson Royal, Højbjerg, Bentancur, Kane, Kulusevski (Bissouma 91'), Son Heung-Min (Richarlison 76')

Subs: Skipp, Richarlison, Forster, Bissouma, Doherty, Lenglet, Sánchez, Sessegnon, Tanganga



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/january/23/fulham-0-1-tottenham-hotspur/

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West Brom summer transfer target made available for January move

West Brom transfer latest as Fulham midfielder Josh Onomah - who almost joined Albion in the summer - is free to leave in January

Josh Onomah, who came so close to joining West Bromwich Albion on transfer deadline day in the summer, has been made available for a loan move before the end of this month. Onomah's minutes at Premier League Fulham have been heavily restricted by stern competition in that area of Marco Silva's squad.

The Portuguese boss was asked recently about his plans for Onomah, who arrived at the Albion training ground on deadline day in August and passed a medical, but an administrative error meant that the move did not go through the Onomah returned to Fulham where he's struggled for game time.

Steve Bruce, Albion's boss at the time, was keen to work with Onomah again having had him before at Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday, but with Bruce having since departed and Carlos Corberan installed, it has to be deemed unlikely that Albion would remain a viable destination for Onomah.

He is set for a loan move in the next week or so, though, and Silva has hailed his character, but he knows that he cannot offer him the minutes in the top flight that he wants and leaving before the deadline is his only hope for a regular supply of first-team football in the second half of the season.

"It is possible for something to happen for Josh in this market. He needs to play. It is important to him," Silva said. "Last season he started really well but in the second half of the season he didn't play so often. I had a conversation with him at the end of last season and we decided together that it was important for him to go for many reasons.

"Last summer things didn't work out well for him getting more minutes elsewhere. He is a top lad, a great professional as well. Every training session he is there wanting to improve. Some games he has come on this season but he needs more minutes in his legs and it is important for him to go. It is a decision we will take with him and see what is best for him and the football club as well."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-fulham-onomah-transfer-26053908

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Harry Kane equals Jimmy Greaves' Tottenham goalscoring record with winner against Fulham

Manchester United transfer target Harry Kane has officially equalled Jimmy Greaves as Tottenham's all-time record goalscorer.

The Spurs striker opened the scoring against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night in what was his 266th goal for the club in 415 appearances as the game eventually ended 1-0.

Kane has been linked with a £80m move to United in the January transfer window with the England captain having entered the final 18 months of his deal at Spurs.

The 29-year-old, though, is reportedly open to signing a new contract with Tottenham.

Jamie Carragher said at full-time: 'When you think of Premier League greats, Kane is one of the best we've seen. He'll go down as Tottenham's greatest player.'

Kane's 266th goal was a classic move with the striker turning on the edge of the box and guiding a low effort into the bottom right corner past former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno – in what was also his 199th goal in the Premier League.

Gary Neville, who is desperate for United to sign Kane, labelled the Tottenham hero as 'world-class' in his half-time analysis.

'It was the most typical Harry Kane goal you will ever see, once he gets it on that right foot you know what is going to happen,' Neville told Sky Sports. 'Spurs have a world-class striker in Kane.'

Carragher added: 'It's the head movement I love. Harry Kane finds himself in between the defenders. As it comes into Son [Heung-min] he's looking where he is. He's looked three times. The control and hit.

'For a world-class striker, that's too much space. Kane doesn't look up. As the saying goes the goal doesn't move.'

Gary Lineker, meanwhile, posted on Twitter: 'What an incredible achievement for @HKane to equal the great @jimmy_greaves as all-time top scorer for @SpursOfficial.

'And, yes, before you start, I know he's not won anything. Also, that fact doesn't make him any the less of a footballer.'

Kane will now attempt to become the top Premier League goalscorer of all time. He is currently nine behind Wayne Rooney's 208 and 59 behind Alan Shearer's 260.



https://metro.co.uk/2023/01/23/harry-kane-equals-jimmy-greaves-as-tottenhams-all-time-record-scorer-18153453/?ito=newsnow-feed

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Tosin benched in Fulham's defeat to Tottenham amid links with Monaco, top Euro clubs

Tosin Adarabioyo was a non-playing substitute for Fulham as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League clash at Craven Cottage on Monday night.

The Manchester City academy product has struggled for playing time since October having made three starts from a possible twelve in the Premier League.

Although Fulham  activated the option in Tosin's contract earlier this month, he has been linked with a departure from the Cottagers in recent days.

Italian transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Anglo-Nigerian has chances to leave Fulham during the January transfer window, adding that several top European clubs including Monaco are monitoring the situation of the center back.

Tosin Adarabioyo has chances to leave Fulham and that could be even during this transfer window ⚪️ #transfers

Several top European clubs, including Monaco, are monitoring highly rated centre-back who’s said to be ready for the next step in his career. pic.twitter.com/AB5gfD3Lby

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 23, 2023

Tosin remained rooted to the bench as Issa Diop and Tim Ream were paired in central defence for the entirety of the London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

England captain Harry Kane won the game for Tottenham, equaling Jimmy Greaves' record as Tottenham's all-time top scorer with his 266th goal for the club.

Two minutes into first half stoppage time, Kane hit a curler into the bottom corner to hand Tottenham Hotspur all three points and their first Premier League double of the season.

Fulham pushed and shoved as they searched for an equalizer but Spurs defended very well and held on to victory.

Spurs' win over Fulham took them to within three points of the Champions League places having played a game more than Manchester United and Newcastle United.


Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=46174

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Post-Spurs Press Conference

A very brief spell at the end of the first half cost Fulham dear against Tottenham Hotspur, according to Marco Silva.

The Whites controlled proceedings for the vast majority of the opening 45 minutes, but Spurs ended strongly and were rewarded with the only goal of the game – a fine strike from Harry Kane.

"Our first 40 minutes was very good, I have to say," Silva said. "A very good level, high intensity, a lot of energy from ourselves, a good dynamic as well.

"We were clearly the best team for 40-42 minutes, the most dominant team, the team that created the most dangerous moments around their box.

"I think we had two very good chances – one with Harrison Reed, another with João [Palhinha] from a free-kick. But even without many, many chances, I think we were clearly the best team on the pitch until the last five minutes [of the first half].

"I think we lost a little bit of control of the game, without reason to be honest, in the last five minutes of the half.

"Some moments when we won the ball, we lost the ball too quickly again, and after a fast corner kick came that goal from Kane. Of course it was decided by a great footballer, but if you are in a good position then that moment will not happen, for sure.

"We lost the control in that three minutes and we were punished by that, from a great finish from him, but we were punished by that.

"Second half, I think we lost a bit of the energy, also a little bit of the dynamic. The setback is always difficult.

"Nine [Spurs] players were always behind the ball in their own half and we didn't find the spaces, we didn't find the gaps to create chances to equalise the game.

"It was a tough second half for us. Even if we were the dominant team, we didn't create enough."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/january/24/post-spurs-press-conference/

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Clinical Kane kills off Fulham
Harry Kane has made a career out of being clinical in front of goal. Tonight, was no exception. The England captain drew level with Jimmy Greaves as Tottenham's leading goalscorer and delivered a vital victory for the under-pressure Antonio Conte with a superb strike out of nothing that turned this London derby on its head. Fulham, who had dominated the first period, until Kane collected a pass from Son Hueng-Min, twisted and turned away from Tim Ream and found the bottom corner with a precise shot that still carried plenty of power, were taught the harshest of lessons.

Marco Silva's side, fresh from last Sunday's agonising defeat at Newcastle, were bright and progressive in the first half but were ultimately punished for their failure to finish good chances. Hugo Lloris was in fine form in goal, saving smartly from Bobby Decordova-Reid when the wily winger went for goal from more than twenty yards. The French goalkeeper handled an Andreas Pereira free-kick with ease and was then alert to deny Harrison Reed after the Fulham midfielder had burst onto a cross from Pereira.

Tottenham threatened sporadically with Kane curling one well wide and Emerson Royal then forced Bernd Leno into a good sprawling save at his near post. Willian extended Lloris after a swift Fulham break and Joao Palhinha headed disappointing over from a free-kick. But Spurs worked up a head of steam right at the end of the first half, penning the hosts back and forcing a succession of corners. Kane's moment of inspiration – spinning away from Ream and finding the corner with a high quality finish – proved to be the difference between the two teams. But whether Son should have been able to find his captain with a clever pass was debatable after seeing the replay of his studs up challenge on Kenny Tete.

Going in at half time a goal down after dominating proceedings must have galled Silva's side. It might have been worse shortly after the interval when Ben Davies glanced a free-kick back acros goal, with Kane denied by a remarkable relax stop by Bernd Leno. Fulham saw plenty of the ball but struggled to unlock a defence that has been castigated for not being up to standard. Here, on a freezing night on the banks of the River Thames, was cateneccio at its finest. Mitrovic fired across goal from a quickly-taken free kick but once again Fulham's football became more fluent once Tom Cairney was summoned from the bench.

He almost made an immediate impact floating a fine ball onto the head of Mitrovic, who headed just over the bar. Tottenham's blue line retreated deeper and deeper. Manor Solomon almost capped an impressive cameo with the equaliser – bending a brilliant finish towards the far corner, only for Lloris to extend himself once move and palm the shot aside for a corner. There was plenty of timewasting and histrionics but you had to applaud the heart of a Spurs side who ground out an impressive victory.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete (Solomon 80), A. Robinson, Diop, Ream; Reed (Cairney 65), Palhinha; Willain (Vincious 87), Decordova-Reid (Wilson 87), Pereira; Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Rodak, Kurzawa, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, James.

BOOKED: Palhinha.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (3-4-2-1): Lloris; Romero, Dier, Davies; Emerson, Perisic, Hojbjerg, Bentancur; Kulusevski (Bissouma 90), Son (Richarlison 76); Kane. Subs (not used): Forster, Doherty, Sanchez, Tanganga, Lenglet, Skipp, R. Sessegnon.

BOOKED: Son, Romero, Bentancur.

GOAL: Kane (45+2).

REFEREE: Paul Tierney (Wigan).

ATTENDANCE: 24,190.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/clinical-kane-kills-off-fulham/

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Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana, Reece James: Chelsea injury news and return dates for Fulham

Chelsea injury news: The latest Blues updates from the treatment room after the goalless draw at Liverpool with the latest on Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Graham Potter will be pleased to have ten days or so with his Chelsea side at Cobham before locking horns with Fulham at the start of next month. The Blues showed promising signs of improvement in the goalless draw with Liverpool but they're still without a number of key players, who would ordinarily be in the starting line-up.

Chelsea are set to welcome their west London rivals to Stamford Bridge in just under two weeks' time on February 3. By then the likes of Raheem Sterling and Wesley Fofan could both be available to feature in some capacity, whether it's from the get-go or off the bench.

However, even if the duo do recover, Chelsea's injury problems are far from solved with Christian Pulisic expected to be out until as late as March. But at least the United States international is set to feature before the end of the season; Armando Broja could be out until the summer as he continues to nurse a terrible blow to the knee.

So, with that being said, football.london takes you through all the latest Blues injury news and updates.

Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah was forced off after going down off-the-ball. He received treatment from the club physio and was replaced by Cesar Azpilicueta in the final 10 minutes of action.

What Potter said: "I don't know to be honest. I've had to come out and speak to you guys."

Injury: N/A

Expected return date: N/A

Reece James
James suffered a knee injury in Chelsea's 2-0 win over AC Milan last year following a collision with Theo Hernandez. Then, upon his return after the World Cup, he pulled up against Bournemouth triggering another injury.

The 23-year-old returned to the pitches at Cobham ahead of the defeat to Fulham, but he was still training alone. Then, ahead of the tie with Liverpool, he first began to feature in first-team training again.

While he was not involved at Anfield at the weekend, his presence in training will serve as a huge boost to all those involved at the club. An appearance of some sort against Fulham will be targeted.

What Potter said: "The boys are progressing well. Reece [James] has joined team training but won't be involved at the weekend."

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: February

Ben Chilwell
Over the last few days, Chilwell has also been pictured back in first-team training again. The defender has missed large parts of the season so he'll be keen to return to match fitness and help Chelsea's chances of claiming a place in the top four.

What Potter said: "The boys are progressing well. Reece [James] has joined team training but won't be involved at the weekend. Same for Ben Chilwell."

Injury: Thigh

Expected return date: February

N'Golo Kante
Kante has suffered an injury-ridden campaign this far but the midfielder has finally returned to the pitches at Cobham, albeit training alone. The Frenchman is getting closer to full fitness but, until he joins the first-team group, a debut under Potter is left to be desired.

What Potter said: "N'Golo did his first couple of days out training on his own but there is still a long, long way to go."

Injury: Thigh

Expected return date: February

Wesley Fofana
Having missed most of the season so far, former Leicester man Wesley Fofana's influence at the back has been somewhat felt in his absence. However, in a huge boost to the Blues and the defender himself, it appears as though a return is just around the corner, having been pictured in training again.

According to the Evening Standard, Fofana is hoping to make his return within the next fortnight.

What Potter said: ''Wesley had a little setback, which can sometimes happen at the very last stage of rehab, so he will be [out for] a couple of weeks."

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: February

Denis Zakaria
The Chelsea loanee has impressed in recent weeks, forcing his way into the first-team after a slow start to his career at Stamford Bridge. However, in a huge blow to the side, he was forced off after 56 minutes in the defeat to Fulham and has handed a major blow to Potter's midfield options.

What Potter said: "Denis is going to be probably four weeks. It's the top of his quad and that is a blow for us. Hopefully, he can return sooner."

Injury: Quadricep

Expected return date: February.

Christian Pulisic
Pulisic was subbed off with an injury in the Premier League defeat to Manchester City, coming off worse in a tackle by John Stones. The United States international was visibly distressed as he went down twice following the challenge.

He was eventually replaced by Carney Chukwuemeka and also was absent from the matchday squad for the FA Cup clash against City. He is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

What Potter said: "No chance, no, he will be out past that [January transfer deadline] and there was never any consideration about him leaving anyway. He is a couple of months out.

"He is disappointed but he is optimistic about coming back quicker than two months. He is in that phase where he is keeping his fingers crossed and hoping his rehab goes well."

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: March

Raheem Sterling
Sterling was replaced by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang inside the opening couple of minutes in the same fixture Chelsea lost Pulisic. The 28-year-old winger fell to the floor with a grimace on his face following a collision with John Stones.

According to the Evening Standard, he's hoping to return within the next fortnight which comes as a huge boost.

What Potter said: "Raheem less [than Pulisic] but we're still evaluating the extent of it. Hopefully less than that, though."

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: February

Edouard Mendy
Chelsea confirmed that Mendy had undergone an operation on a fractured finger sustained during training, meaning he will be absent from the squad in the coming games.

The Senegalese shot-stopper missed the Bournemouth match and didn't even make the bench against Forest. He had previously come back from international duty in October with an injury but played for his club since then despite being replaced as No1 by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Injury: Finger

Expected return date: Unknown

Armando Broja
Having pulled up nastily in the side's mid-season friendly against Aston Villa, Armando Broja could be heard reeling in pain as his knee injury more than definitely curtailed his 22/23 season. Having made quite the impression under Potter, it was a sad blow for the former Southampton loanee.

What Potter said: ''It was just an unfortunate action. He got caught up with their player and the ground. It doesn't look positive at the moment but it's too early to say. Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.''

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: Summer/Autumn 2023



https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-injury-news-sterling-fulham-26054338

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Chances of West Brom recruiting Premier League player emerge

West Bromwich Albion are no longer in the race to recruit Fulham midfielder Josh Onomah following the departure of Steve Bruce, according to a report from West London Sport.

Onomah had previously worked with Bruce at Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday – and it looked as though they were going to link up together a third time during the latter stages of the previous window.

However, deals for the Fulham man and Brighton's Steven Alzate failed to materialise in the end despite the fact the former had travelled to the Midlands and had been expected to sign for the Baggies on loan.

Tom Rogic has come in since then to strengthen their midfield with the ex-Celtic man signing on with the Midlands outfit on a free transfer – but Carlos Corberan may be keen to bring in another central midfielder before the end of this window.

Being linked with a move for Jon Russell, they are yet to strike a deal with Huddersfield Town to bring the 22-year-old to The Hawthorns despite the fact he's been made available.

One man who certainly won't be joining though is Onomah according to West London Sport, with Bruce's departure in October ending their pursuit of the former Tottenham Hotspur man who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage and could move on this month.

The Verdict:
From the player's perspective, he may be open to this move because he could potentially win more minutes at The Hawthorns than he has at Craven Cottage this season.

He would also have the chance to compete for another Championship promotion medal and with the player already plying his trade in the Midlands before, it probably wouldn't take him too long to settle into life with the Baggies.

Onomah would have the chance to improve his game under an excellent coach like Carlos Corberan who has been praised heavily for his work on the training pitch during the early stages of his time with Albion.

However, the midfielder wouldn't be a guaranteed starter considering Corberan already has the likes of Okay Yokuslu, Jayson Molumby, John Swift and Jake Livermore at his disposal when all options are fit.

And with this, the Fulham man needs to think about where he should go next, because he could find his game time limited at his next club too unless he picks the right next destination.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/chances-of-west-brom-recruiting-premier-league-player-emerge/

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Neymar thinks £13m Everton and Fulham target can be one of Europe's best

Lille are blocking a January departure for USA international Timothy Weah with Premier League duo Everton and Fulham keen on the former Paris Saint-Germain youngster, according to FootMercato.

The reasons for Weah's frustration, at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, are twofold.

One, he is merely a back-up under Lille boss Paulo Fonseca; coming off the bench more times than he's been in the starting XI. Furthermore, when Weah is playing, he's usually doing the hard yards in the defensive third, rather than in his favoured attacking role.

Weah's versatility is, it seems, as much a curse as it is a gift. He's filled in at right-back and left-back this term. Though the 'utility man' role is not one that appeals to him.

Fulham, Everton and Brighton and Hove Albion like Lille's Timothy Weah
Interest from the likes of Everton, Fulham and high-flying Brighton and Hove Albion may be enough to turn Weah's head, per L'Equipe, but Lille are not exactly encouraging offers. In fact, they're actively discouraging them.

With fellow widemen Adam Ounas and Jonathan Bamba currently out injured, FootMercato reports that Lille have 'blocked' approaches from the likes of Sevilla and Borussia Monchengladbach. Weah's representatives are working tirelessly to find a way out, but Lille are locking the doors and hiding the keys.

According to FootMercato, Lille value Weah at around £13 million.

Still only 22 years of age, Weah has nearly 30 caps for the USA national team. Former PSG team-mate Neymar even claimed that the New York-born speedster had 'everything to become one of the top attacking players in Europe'. Though injuries and a lack of consistent game-time has impeded his progress in recent times.

And while his flexibility may appeal to many a manager, Weah would presumably be tempted most by a club willing to offer him an attacking role, where he can utilise his searing pace and eye for goal. Fulham, interestingly, are prioritising reinforcements at right-back. Is this where they see Weah playing at Craven Cottage?

Struggling Everton want additions further forward, though Frank Lampard's sacking could complicate their hopes of some late-window additions.

Who will replace Frank Lampard at Everton?
With a two-week break from the Premier League, focus at Goodison will now turn to Lampard's replacement. Marcelo Bielsa, Nuno Espirito Santo and Sean Dyche are among the early frontrunners. Brentford coach Thomas Frank, however, has been issued a warning about the vacant Everton post.

"Why would he leave Brentford to go to second-bottom Everton?" former England international Darren Bent tells talkSPORT. "There is no way Thomas Frank is leaving Brentford to go to Everton now.

"Everton are a bigger club. But what Brentford are doing this season... they could be level with Tottenham in fifth! Why leave somewhere that's stable to go to chaos? And it might last six months (at Everton). 

"I like Thomas Frank. And I think, unfortunately, he will go onto the next level. What he's done with this football club is exceptional."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/01/24/neymar-thinks-13m-everton-and-fulham-target-can-be-one-of-europes-best/

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Fulham could finally sign Joshua Brenet with long-term target dreaming of move

FC Twente defender Joshua Brenet dreams of a move to the Premier League with Fulham entering talks to sign the experienced Eredivisie right-back, according to The Express.

The simple fact that Marco Silva was disappointed to miss out on the chance to overtake Tottenham Hotspur into fifth place – with the season now at it's halfway stage – is testament to just how impressive the Cottagers have been since returning the big time.

With relegation fears emphatically dispelled, a top-half finish for the first time in 11 years feels like a very distinct possibility.   

This is not to say this is a Fulham side without it's issues, however. There remains a lack of genuine depth at centre-forward. And doubts surrounding the future of Kevin Mbabu means reinforcements are also welcome at right-back.

Talks with Arsenal for the out-of-favour Cedric Soares have hit the buffers. Milan van Ewijk, meanwhile, admits to having mixed feelings about a potential January move to West London. Fulham, at least, are unlikely to hit similar obstacles in their pursuit of another Netherlands-based full-back.

Fulham hope to sign a right-back with Eredivisie ace Joshua Brenet a target
According to the Express, Fulham have held 'informal talks' with 28-year-old Brenet. Capped twice by the Netherlands; Brenet has rejected alternative offers as he holds out for a 'dream' move to English football.

Twente Inside back up these claims, insisting that Fulham's interest is 'concrete' and very real. Brenet, who would join on a permanent deal rather than a short-term loan, has scored four goals and set up two more in just 20 games for FC Twente this season. An impressive ball-carrier and an effective dribbler, Brenet is younger than Cedric. He's cheaper than Cedric. And, furthermore, a more potent attacking threat too.

Interestingly, it is nearly five years to the day since Fulham were first linked with the former PSV Eindhoven man. The Daily Mail reported in January 2018 that Brenet was a £4 million target for the Cottagers and Swansea City.

Then PSV-coach Phillip Cocu refused to consider a January sale, however, with the Eredivisie title on the line.

Harry Kane's stunning first-half winner, meanwhile, ensures Fulham remain a highly-respectable seventh in the Premier League table.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/01/24/fulham-could-finally-sign-joshua-brenet-with-long-term-target-dreaming-of-move/

[SP]

I enjoyed this from the i newspaper:

'Joao Palhinha offered an early reminder that it was a London derby by steaming into Hojbjerg with all the legs first enthusiasm of an eight year old preparing to hurtle down the Tropical Cyclone water slide at Centre Parcs to earn the first caution.'