Friday Fulham Stuff - 27/01/23...

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Sources: Plymouth Argyle in race with Aberdeen and Hearts to sign Fulham star Connor McAvoy

Plymouth Argyle, Aberdeen and Hearts are working on deals to sign Fulham defender Connor McAvoy, sources have told Football Insider.

League One promotion hopefuls Plymouth and Scottish Premiership duo Aberdeen and Hearts are admirers of the centre-back, 20, and have registered their interest in signing him this month.

McAvoy, who has come through the ranks at Fulham, is out of contract at the club this summer.

The Scotland U-21 international is yet to make his first-team debut for Fulham, but has been a regular for the club's Under-21s in Premier League 2 this season.

He's made 14 appearances and impressively played every single minute in the development league this season, scoring once for Fulham in the process.

McAvoy has also shown his versatility in the youth squad, playing primarily at centre-back but also enjoying brief stints as both a right-back and left-back.

The young defender spent last season on loan with National League side Wealdstone FC and picked up some valuable match time.

He made 28 appearances while out on loan, playing over 2,400 minutes and scoring twice for the side.

Prior to that, McAvoy again enjoyed another superb Premier League 2 season, making 24 appearances for the Cottagers' youth team.

Plymouth Argyle are currently flying high at the top of League One, but Steven Schumacher's side only boast the seventh-best defensive record in the league after conceding 29 goals in the 28 league matches this campaign.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-plymouth-argyle-in-race-with-aberdeen-and-hearts-to-sign-fulham-star-connor-mcavoy/

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Fulham prepare offer for Torino midfielder Lukic

Sky Sport Italia reports Fulham are ready to submit an opening bid for Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic.

Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio claims the Granata are ready to receive an offer for the 26-year-old. The Serbia international is under contract at the Stadio Grande Torino until June 2024.

It is still unclear how much the Premier League side would offer and so is Torino's stance on the player's future.

The Granata are already in talks to sign a new central midfielder, Verona's Ivan Ilic and have raised their bid to sign the product of Manchester City academy, also wanted by Olympique Marseille in France.

Lukic was Torino's captain last season, but he was stripped of the armband in the summer after requesting to leave the club in August.

He missed the first match of 2022-23 against Monza but was then reintroduced after apologising to coach Ivan Juric.

Lukic is currently dealing with a hamstring injury but is a regular starter at Torino, having collected 18 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals.

#Calciomercato | Il @FulhamFC vuole #Lukic del @TorinoFC_1906: la situazione https://t.co/PRrlthWSP0

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) January 25, 2023

https://football-italia.net/fulham-prepare-offer-for-torino-midfielder-lukic/

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Fulham will 'present official offer' in next few hours – Silva wants player 'immediately'

Fulham want to sign Torino's Saša Lukić in the winter market, according to multiple claims from Italy.

The Serie A side had already made the Serbia international available in the transfer market even though he has a contract until 2024.

Torino are focusing on making new additions to their squad, while the situation around Lukić needs to be monitored due to Fulham's interest.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, 'an offer from England is arriving' for the midfielder. This proposal is set to come from Marco Silva's side and it remains to be seen how the Turin club will react to this.

Gianluca Di Marzio did not provide details of the offer Fulham are planning to make. This information is provided by TuttoMercatoWeb, who state the Premier League side are 'serious' about signing the player 'immediately'.

It's claimed Fulham 'will present an official offer' of around €8m for Lukić in the 'next few hours'. They have also tabled an offer worth €2m net per year until 2026 to the Serbian.

It'll be interesting to see how Torino will react, if and when the Fulham offer arrives for Lukić.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-will-present-official-offer-in-next-few-hours-silvas-side-want-player-immediately/

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Fulham transfer news: £7m Cottagers bid made for Leeds & West Ham target

Fulham have reportedly made an opening offer to sign Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic, with Leeds United and West Ham also chasing the Serbian international this January.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Cottagers have submitted a bid worth €8m (£7m) to sign the 26-year-old in the final days of the January transfer window, with Lukic keen to move on from Torino having impressed in Serie A this season as well as at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Serbia.

CalcioMercato had recently reported that Lukic was a target for Leeds, whilst West Ham had been straight up offered the midfielder in a swap deal to secure a permanent transfer for Nikola Vlasic according to Tuttosport. However, it now looks like Fulham are set to win the race for the Torino man.

With Fulham all-but safe from Premier League relegation, Marco Silva is keen to add top-quality signings to his squad this January, with Lukic a midfielder the Portuguese manager is seemingly a big fan of with the Cottagers now making a bid for the Serbian.

Indeed, with Fulham also close to agreeing on a deal to sign Cedric Soares from Arsenal, the west London side are set for a frantic end to the January transfer window this January, though signings such as Lukic will be huge if the west London side are to claim a top-ten finish.

With Leeds and West Ham interested in the Torino star, Lukic signing for Fulham would be quite the coup for the newly-promoted Premier League side, with the 26-year-old an ideal fit for Silva's midfield system and a player who could elevate the Cottagers to another new level.

Fulham signing Lukic for £7m is a bargain deal for Silva
Premier League clubs have flexed their wealth like nothing else this January with English teams taking January spending to a whole new level. Yet amidst the chaos, Fulham could walk out worthy victors if they manage to sign a player as good as Lukic for as little as £7m.

A shining light for Serbia in their dismal World Cup campaign and one of the most consistent performers for a promising Torino side this season, Lukic has many qualities that will make the midfielder a hit at Craven Cottage, and Fulham could soon have a bargain on their hands if a deal can be completed.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/01/26/fulham-transfer-news-7m-cottagers-bid-made-for-leeds-west-ham-target/

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FA Cup – Fulham v Sunderland: Latest team news, score prediction, Is there a live stream? What time is kick-off?

FA Cup action returns this weekend as the fourth round offers up some intriguing cup ties up and down the country.

Certainly, at Craven Cottage there's a really decent game set to be played out, at least on paper, with Fulham hosting Sunderland on Saturday.

The two sides have both had positive seasons so far and look to play the game in the right way, meaning it's set up for a potentially enthralling clash in south west London.

What are the key details around this one, though? We take a look now...

Latest team news
It'll be interesting to see how much rotation takes place in the two sides given both will feel as though they could get a result this weekend at Craven Cottage and go deep into the competition.

Fulham have been in fine form this year under Marco Silva, though they're looking to bounce back from a league defeat at home to Spurs earlier this week.

Sunderland have also been in decent shape for much of this season, and beat Middlesbrough last time out in the Championship.

Do both managers name relatively unchanged line-ups, then, or bring in some fringe players? In terms of injuries, Fulham have Neeskens Kebano missing whilst Aleksandar Mitrovic picked up a little knock during the Spurs game and the Cottagers have been assessing him this week.

As for Sunderland, Elliot Embleton and Lynden Gooch look set to be out, whilst late calls could be made on Alex Pritchard, Dennis Cirkin and Corry Evans.

Is there a live stream?
There'll be no live stream of this game, highlights will be shown later on in the weekend on Match of the Day.

What time is kick-off?
Kick off is at 3pm on Saturday.

Score prediction
Both teams will feel as though they can get a result in this one, but we'll go for home advantage being key and we're backing Fulham to win it 2-1.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fa-cup-fulham-v-sunderland-latest-team-news-score-prediction-is-there-a-live-stream-what-time-is-kick-off/

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Sheffield Wednesday set to hold crunch transfer talks with former Fulham defender Michael Hector

Centre-back Michael Hector is searching for a new club and is currently training with Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday are set to hold discussions with Michael Hector's representatives over a potential switch to Hillsborough later this week, Yorkshire Live understands. The centre-back, who has been without a club since leaving Fulham last summer, is currently on trial with the League One club.

The Jamaican international, who scooped the player of the year award in a loan spell with the Owls during the 2018/19 season, has trained with Darren Moore's side this month as he looks to earn a Wednesday deal. Central defence is an area the Owls are keen to strengthen before the transfer window shuts next week.

Wednesday are low on cover at the back as Michael Ihiekwe and Ben Heneghan are both sidelined by injury. Heneghan is likely to miss the rest of the campaign after undergoing knee surgery.

When quizzed on Hector, Moore said: "He's got good experience and there's a potential platform where he can tick some of the boxes of what we want. At the moment it's just an opportunity to take a look at him and that's what we're doing.

Although the transfer market closes on January 31, clubs will still be able to sign unattached players after the deadline. Moore, whose side host Fleetwood Town in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend, said he is "surprised" Hector has not found a new club since departing Fulham.

"It's great that he's had past history at this club and for somebody of his quality and stature to come to us, with him having previously been here, he's still got one or two people here he still knows," he said. "I think they are all contributing factors in him coming here.

"It'll be good for me to cast my eyes on him at close proximity at the training ground."

It will be interesting to see if Hector features in the Owls' Under-21s clash against Crewe Alexandra tomorrow at Stocksbridge. Speaking last week, Moore said: "What we'll do first, before we start looking at any (under-21s) games, we want to do our own data on him which we will do. Once we get that we'll be in a better position to make calculated decisions and work with him in terms of where he's at.

"From first impressions of where he's at, I'm very pleased. There's no doubting his level and what he can bring, potentially, should it all work."



https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/sheffield-wednesday-transfer-talks-hector-26075384

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Fulham poised to sign Duffy permanently
Fulham are poised to convert Shane Duffy's loan from Brighton and Hove Albion into a permanent deal so that they can bring in Cedric Soares on loan, according to the Daily Mail.

Duffy, who has made five first-team appearances since joining Fulham in August, is happy to agree a contract at Craven Cottage to remain as cover for the club's regular centre backs in Tim Ream, Tosin Adarabioyo and fellow summer signing Issa Diop. The Republic of Ireland international's loan is cheaper to turn into a permanent transfer than Leeds loanee Dan James, with a fee of £14m believed to be required should the Whites wish to keep the Welsh winger.

Handing Duffy a permanent contract in the coming days and agreeing a fee with Brighton, where Duffy has spent six seasons, will free up a loan spot so that Marco Silva can be reunited with Arsenal full back Cedric, whom he worked with successfully at Sporting. The 31 year-old right back has dropped down Mikel Arteta's pecking order at the Emirates Stadium and made only four appearances this season. The Euro 2016 winner is keen to move across London, following in the footsteps of former team-mate Bernd Leno, and this is the final stage of a protracted deal.

Silva has been seeking an additional option at right back having been unimpressed with Kevin Mbabu's start to his Fulham career since the Swiss international signed from Wolfsburg for £5m in the summer. Cedric will compete with regular starter Kenny Tete for the right back role but his versatility means that he can also operate at left back.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/fulham-poised-to-sign-duffy-permanently/

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Plymouth join McAvoy loan chase
Plymouth Argyle have joined Aberdeen and Hearts in a race to sign promising Fulham centre back Connor McAvoy on loan.

The Scottish under-21 international has been an outstanding performer in Fulham's academy sides for a number of years and starred on loan with Wealdstone last season. The 20 year-old made 28 appearances for the Stones having initially joined the National League side on an emergency loan and has since been a key part of Steve Wigley's under 21 side, who have stepped up successfully to the top flight this term.

Fulham now have to decide whether to let McAvoy leave to gain more first-team experience and where he should go. Both SPL sides are looking to recruit new centre backs in the final weeks of January, whilst Argyle – currently top of League One under Steven Schumacher – are looking to bolster their defensive options to cement their push for promotion to the Championship. The composed defender impressed Marco Silva during this summer's pre-season tour of Portugal and remains highly thought of at Motspur Park.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/plymouth-join-mcavoy-loan-chase/

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All you need to know:
All you need to know: Fulham vs SAFC

Sunderland travel to Premier League side Fulham in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup this weekend.

Victory against Shrewsbury Town earlier this month has set up a showdown in the capital against Marco Silva's side.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game in West London...

Head-to-head
Sunderland wins: 26

Draws: 19

Fulham wins: 19

Last three meetings
Fulham 2-1 Sunderland (27th April 2018)

Asoro 28', Piazon 45', Mitrovic 76

Sunderland 1-0 Fulham (16th December 2017)

Maja 77'

Fulham 1-3 Sunderland (3rd February 2015)

Rodallega 28', Bettinelli og 61', Alvarez 75', Gomez pen 90+3

Statistics (Fulham)

    Fulham currently sit seventh in the Premier League table in their first season back in the top flight.

    Aleksander Mitrovic sits fourth in the Premier League goalscoring charts with 11 this season.

    The Cottagers have not lost a game a home game when Mitrovic has scored at Craven Cottage this season.

Statistics (Sunderland)

    Tony Mowbray's men are the fourth highest goalscorers in the Sky Bet Championship this season (42).

    The Black Cats have not lost a game this season when Ross Stewart has scored this season.

Form (Fulham)

    After four Premier League wins in a row, their last two outings have ended in defeat against Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur.

    Prior to their last two defeats, Fulham had scored in their last eight games in all competitions.

Form (Sunderland)

    Sunderland have lost just one of their last seven games in all competitions.

    Ross Stewart has scored eight goals in his last nine games in all competitions for Sunderland.

    The Lads have not lost an away game in all competitions for over three months (2-0 vs Blackburn, 18 October 2022).

A foot in both camps

Andy Melville
Sunderland: 36 appearances, 2 goals (Aug 93 – Jun 99)

Fulham: 193 appearances, 4 goals (Jun 99 – Jan 04)

Louis Saha
Fulham: 141 appearances, 63 goals (Jun 00 – Jan 04)

Sunderland: 14 appeareances, 0 goals (Aug 12 – Jan 13

Steed Malbranque
Fulham: 211 appearances, 44 goals (Aug 01 – May 06)

Sunderland: 112 appearances, 2 goals (Jul 08 – Aug 11)
                                                                                                       
Josh Maja
Sunderland: 49 appearances, 17 goals (Aug 16 – Jan 19)

Fulham: 15 appearances, 3 goals (Feb 21 – Jun 21)

Kieran Richardson
Sunderland: 149 appearances, 15 goals (Jul 07 – Aug 12)

Fulham: 48 appearances, 6 goals (Aug 12 – Jul 14)

Andy Cole
Fulham: 41 appearances, 14 goals (Jul 04 – Jul 05)

Sunderland: 8 appearances, 0 goals (Aug 07 – Jul 08)

Darren Bent
Sunderland: 63 appearances, 36 goals (Aug 09 – Jan 11)

Fulham: 30 appearances, 6 goals (Aug 13 – May 14)

Dickson Etuhu
Sunderland: 21 appearances, 1 goal (Jul 07 – Aug 08)

Fulham: 127 appearances, 6 goals (Aug 08 – Aug 12)

David Healy
Fulham: 34 appearances, 6 goals (Jul 07 – Aug 08)

Sunderland: 21 appearances 3 goals (Aug 08 – Jan 11)

Patrick Roberts
Fulham: 22 appearances, 0 goals (Jan 14 – Jul 15)

Sunderland: 43 appearances, 5 goals (Jan 22 – present)



Officials
Referee: Michael Salisbury

Assistant Referees: Matthew Wilkes and Mark Scholes

Fourth Official: Leigh Doughty

VAR: Graham Scott

AVAR: Stuart Burt

Ticketing

A limited number of tickets are still available for our Emirates FA Cup fourth round tie at Craven Cottage. Head over to the e-ticketing section of safc.com to secure your seat!



https://safc.com/news/team-news/2023/january/fulham-fac/all-you-need-to-know-vs-fulham

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Fulham Showed Interest In Bologna Starlet But Deal Not To Cottagers' Liking

Fulham had moved for Bologna star Denso Kasius but left the negotiating table after hearing of the Serie A club's reluctance to part ways with him permanently.

Right-back is a position that Fulham have wanted to enrich in the current window and they are close to achieving their objective.

Fulham are close to signing Arsenal right-back Cedric Soares on loan and he is set to provide competition to Kenny Tete and Kevin Mbabu.

However, it appears Fulham were looking to add even more muscle in the right-back department in the current window.

Fulham were in talks for a loan deal involving Bologna youngster Kasius but ultimately walked away, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.it.

Bologna were not interested in the loan deal involving a purchase option and thus Fulham decided to end their pursuit.

The 20-year old has now joined Austrian giants Rapid Vienna, who have no qualms with the loan deal not involving a purchase option.

Kasius has dealt with injury problems this season but has still managed to make seven appearances in Serie A, in which he has provided two assists.



https://insidefutbol.com/2023/01/26/fulham-showed-interest-in-bologna-starlet-but-deal-not-to-cottagers-liking/592618/

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23/24 Season Ticket Waiting List

Our Season Ticket Waiting List is now open for 2023/24!

With Season Tickets sold out for the current campaign, be sure to add your name to the waiting list and be one of the first to hear about options for the 2023/24 season.

Further details will be released later this season, and for the best chance of securing a seat in 2023/24 new supporters are urged to sign up as early as possible.

Fans who hold a current Season Ticket (2022/23 campaign) do not need to sign up to this form, unless they are registering to purchase additional seats.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/january/26/23-24-season-ticket-waiting-list/

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Fulham 'to table £7m offer for Lukic'
Fulham are set to table a £7m offer with Torino today for midfielder Sasa Lukic today, according to reports in the Italian press this morning.

The urgency in the Whites' move to try and sign the Serbian international comes from head coach Marco Silva, who wants to bring in the 26 year-old 'immediately,' according to TuttoMercatoWeb. Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio also reports that 'an offer from England is arriving'. Silva wants to strengthen his options in central midfield, fearing a problems should injuries or suspensions rob him of the services of Fulham's regular pairing in Harrison Reed and Joao Palhinha.

Lukic, who came through the Partizan Belgrade youth set-up, has made 161 appearances in seven years at Torino, scoring fourteen goals. He has featured sixteen times in all competitions this season, scoring three times, and has won 35 senior caps for his country, representing Serbia at the recent World Cup alongside Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Varna-born midfielder is versatile: able to operate as a sitting or box-to-box central midfielder or in a more advanced attacking midfield role.

Torino had already made the talented playmaker available for transfer despite his contract with the Serie A club running until the end of next season – so it only remains for Fulham to agree a fee with I Granata.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/fulham-to-table-7m-offer-for-lukic/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's offer for Torino midfielder Lukic revealed

Multiple reports in Italy claim Fulham have offered €8m plus €2m add-ons to sign Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic.

Sky Sport Italia reported on Wednesday night that the Premier League side are interested in the Serbia international whose contract at the Stadio Grande Torino expires in June 2024.

According to Tuttosport, the Cottagers have put €10m on the table, specifically €8m plus €2m add-ons.

Tuttomercato and Fabrizio Romano confirm the offer, but the Italian transfer expert claims the Granata have not yet given the green light.

Lukic handed in a transfer request last summer and was therefore stripped of the captain's armband and frozen out of the team, but was then reintroduced after apologising to coach Ivan Juric.

According to Tuttosport, Lukic wants to play in European competitions, something that Fulham can't offer him although he'd see his salary raised in England.

Torino remain in talks with Verona for Ivan Ilic and continue to monitor Dennis Praet who returned to Leicester City after a one-year loan with the Granata in 2021-22.



https://football-italia.net/fulhams-offer-for-torino-midfielder-lukic-revealed/

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Fulham eye swoop for West Ham and Leicester City-linked man as alternative to Everton midfielder

Latest news and rumours on the transfer front involving Fulham emerges

Fulham are reportedly keen on Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic. The Serbia international caught the eye at the World Cup in Qatar earlier this winter.

According to a report by The Athletic, Marco Silva's side are 'exploring' a move to lure him to the Premier League. They have until the deadline next Tuesday to add reinforcements to their squad.

Lukic, 26, has been linked with West Ham, as per TuttoMercatoWeb, and Leicester City according to CalcioMercato. However, Fulham have now entered the chase for his signature.

The Cottagers could see him as someone to bolster their options in the middle of the park and provide competition to plays like Harrison Reed and Joao Palhinha. They have been after Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure but the Toffees are reluctant to let him leave.

Lukic has been with current club Torino since 2016 and has since made 161 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A outfit, chipping in with 14 goals, as well as having a loan spell away in La Liga with Levante back in the 2017/18 campaign. Prior to his move to Italy, he rose up through the ranks at Partizan and played there with Aleksandar Mitrovic as a youngster.

In other news, defender Denso Kasius, who Fulham were linked with, has joined Rapid Wien. The full-back has signed on loan from Bologna.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-eye-swoop-for-west-ham-and-leicester-city-linked-man-as-alternative-to-everton-midfielder-4001970

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Sunderland suffer major Corry Evans injury setback ahead of FA Cup tie against Fulham

Sunderland captain Corry Evans is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.

The 32-year-old was forced off with the issue during Sunday's 2-0 win over Middlesbrough, when he was replaced by Edouard Michut after just 11 minutes at the Stadium of Light.

Evans has been a key player for Tony Mowbray's side this season, starting 24 of the Black Cats' 28 Championship fixtures.

Sunderland have added another midfielder to their squad this week following the arrival of Pierre Ekwah from West Ham on a permanent deal.

The Black Cats are now preparing for this weekend's FA Cup tie at Fulham, while Mowbray has hinted some of his other injured players could return.

Aji Alese was named in the side's starting XI against Middlesbrough, while Dennis Cirkin has returned to training following a hip issue.

Luke O'Nien is still suspended for the Fulham match while Elliot Embleton remains unavailable with a long-term injury setback.



https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-suffer-major-corry-evans-injury-setback-ahead-of-fa-cup-tie-against-fulham-4002032

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Charlton boss outlines situation surrounding Fulham loan defender

Charlton defender Steven Sessegnon does not require surgery on his knee injury.

The Fulham full-back, on a season-long loan in SE7, pulled out of the match against Barnsley earlier this month after feeling a niggle in the warm up.

Sessegnon, 22, has largely been able to manage swelling around his knee, playing 23 matches in all competitions.

"Sess went to see the specialist yesterday [Monday] for an update on his niggly knee issue he had before he came to the club," Charlton manager Dean Holden told the South London Press.

"At the moment it is as it was [before the latest flare up]. It is something the specialist believes he can manage. Again he might need to offload in certain parts of the week. You might not see him in every training session. There is a personalised training schedule for Sess.

"Barring the recent situation with Barnsley, he has been able to pretty much, for the majority of the season, play in games and get through them. We're in that same stage now. There is no decision been made to go under the knife.

"He's been told he can basically carry on doing what he's been doing."

Holden also provided an update on striker Chuks Aneke.

He said: "Chuks is now entering the second week of training, so he came back and trained all last week. He came back the Thursday of the previous week, so he trained Thursday and Friday then as well.

"I keep saying it, but when we get him back involved we need to make sure that he stays fit. He has missed a huge chunk of the season. He's been on and off. I wouldn't say it is a mini pre-season for him, but he certainly needs to build up some fitness before he can prove he can go back into a squad and stay in a squad."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-outlines-situation-surrounding-fulham-loan-defender/

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Fulham 'will get deal done' for £100k-a-week star at Craven Cottage

Fulham are expected to seal the loan acquisition of Cedric Soares after the Arsenal star was identified as Craven Cottage boss Marco Silva's 'number one target at right-back', Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has told GiveMeSport.

The Cottagers are still looking to make their first signing of the January transfer window, with the deadline now looming.

Fulham transfer news – Cedric Soares
According to the Evening Standard, Fulham are set to complete the signing of Cedric this week after the addition of a new right-back was made a priority by Silva.

The report suggests the Portugal international will head to Craven Cottage on a six-month loan deal which does not include an option to make the switch permanent.

It is understood that negotiations have accelerated in recent days and Fulham will cover the entirety of Cedric's £100,000-per-week wages.

With the west Londoners being unable to register more than two players on loan from Premier League rivals, Shane Duffy is preparing to make the permanent move from Brighton & Hove Albion to pave the way for the 31-year-old.

Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor recently told GiveMeSport that Cedric could be moved on if Arsenal succeed in winning the race for Real Valladolid teenager Ivan Fresneda.

What has Michael Bridge said about Cedric?
Bridge understands that Cedric was been on Silva's radar for a prolonged period and, despite not initially wanting to depart Premier League leaders Arsenal, he is now open to the switch.

The Sky Sports reporter has backed Fulham to rubber-stamp the loan move ahead of the fast-approaching transfer deadline.

Bridge told GiveMeSport: "It's a player that Marco Silva has wanted for a while and, with that interest, I think Cedric's finally coming around to it.

"I don't think he massively wanted to leave and I think Arteta was happy for him to stay, but it looks like this is coming to an end now.

"It's going to be a loan signing and he was Fulham's number one target at right-back, so I think this one will get done."

Would Cedric be a good signing for Fulham?
FBref statistics show that Cedric has averaged more blocks per 90 minutes than current Fulham right-back options Kenny Tete and Kevin Mbabu over the last year, so it could be argued that he would make the backline even more solid.

Although the former Southampton man has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal and been restricted to just 119 minutes of action this season, there is no doubt that he would be an astute addition to the Cottagers' squad.

Cedric boasts plenty of Premier League experience, having made 158 appearances in the competition, and that will be a huge attraction for Fulham as they look to challenge for a European spot.

An eye-catching total of 37 goal contributions, over the course of his senior career, shows the Euro 2016 winner is capable of being a threat in the final third of the pitch as well.

Cedric played under Silva 35 times while they were together at Sporting, so a reunion may be beneficial for all parties.



https://www.givemesport.com/88109096-fulham-transfer-news-will-get-deal-done-craven-cottage

[WhiteJC]

Sessegnon 'doesn't need knee surgery'
Steven Sessegnon has been told he doesn't require knee surgery and should be able to manage the pain in his knee that has dogged an impressive loan spell with Charlton Athletic.

The Fulham full back has won admirers at the Valley for his consistent displays, mostly at left wing back, since joining the Addicks in September. The 22 year-old has played with swelling around his knee for most of the season – making 23 appearances – but Charlton sent him to see a specialist this month after he pulled out of a recent game against Barnsley during the warm up.

Charlton boss Dean Holden told Rich Cawley of the South London Press:

    "Sess went to see the specialist yesterday for an update on his niggly knee issue he had before he came to the club. At the moment it is as it was. It is something the specialist believes he can manage. Again he might need to offload in certain parts of the week. You might not see him in every training session. There is a personalised training schedule for Sess.

    Barring the recent situation with Barnsley, he has been able to pretty much, for the majority of the season, play in games and get through them. We're in that same stage now. There is no decision been made to go under the knife. He's been told he can basically carry on doing what he's been doing."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/sessegnon-doesnt-need-knee-surgery/

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Fulham agree deal for Arsenal defender with knock-on effects

Fulham have agreed a deal with Arsenal over full-back Cedric Soares, 90min understands.

It would mean Cedric linking up with fellow countryman Marco Silva at Craven Cottage and playing for his third Premier League club after initially moving to England with Southampton in 2015.

The proposed deal is a loan until the end of the season, but it will require some reshuffling in the Fulham squad in order to stay within the maximum number of permitted domestic loans.

Premier League rules dictate that clubs may not have more than two players on loan from another Premier League or English side at any one time.

As things stand, Fulham currently have centre-back Shane Duffy on loan from Brighton and winger Daniel James on loan from Leeds.

The loans that the Cottagers have for Layvin Kurzawa from Paris Saint-Germain and Manor Solomon from Shakhtar Donetsk are not included in that.

The expected arrival of Cedric from Arsenal on a temporary deal should see Duffy's status at Craven Cottage become permanent. If that transfer cannot be agreed, 90min understands it will likely mean that James' loan from Leeds is ended prematurely and he returns to Elland Road.

Cedric has spent most of the season on Arsenal's bench and has only played 119 minutes in all competitions.



https://www.90min.com/posts/fulham-agree-deal-for-arsenal-defender-knock-on-effects

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Aberdeen reportedly in three-horse race for Fulham defender Connor McAvoy

The club are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements in the final week of the January transfer window, and Scotland under-21 international McAvoy has been linked with a move to Pittodrie

Aberdeen are one of three clubs interested in signing Fulham defender Connor McAvoy, according to a report.

Football Insider claim that the Dons have joined Plymouth Argyle and Premiership rivals Hearts in the race for the 20-year old, who is a regular for the Cottagers under-23 side.

McAvoy, who has yet to feature for Fulham's first team, is out of contract at the end of the season, with clubs outside of England now able to approach him on a pre-contract agreement.

However under-fire Dons boss Jim Goodwin is keen to add defenders to his squad between now and the end of the January transfer window next month, with skipper Anthony Stewart and Liam Scales as the only two recognised centre backs currently at the club.

McAvoy, who was born in England but represents Scotland, has won three caps at under-21 level. He spent last season on loan with Wealdstone FC in the National League South, and made 28 appearances, scoring twice, to help the club secure a 16th place finish in the English sixth tier.

The Reds have also been linked with a loan move for Sunderland defender Bailey Wright, and hope a family connection between the two clubs will help them bring the Australian defender up to Pittodrie.

Aberdeen's head of recruitment Darren Mowbray is the brother of Black Cats gaffer Tony, and the Dons hope to use the link to their advantage, with Hibernian also interested in the defender's signature.

Centre back Jay Idzes who plays for Go Ahead Eagles in the Dutch Eredivisie is also a rumoured target, with Aberdeen rumoured to be willing to offer a six-figure transfer fee for the 22-year old.

Goodwin has been given a vote of confidence by the Aberdeen board just four days after the worst defeat in the club's history when they lost 1-0 to Darvel in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

Many had expected the former St Mirren boss to be relieved of his duties following the embarrassing exit, but chairman Dave Cormack and the rest of the board have publicly backed their manager, and he will be in the dugout for the trip to Easter Road to face Hibs on Saturday.



https://www.aberdeenlive.news/sport/football/transfer-news/aberdeen-reportedly-three-horse-race-8076379