Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 14/03/23...

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Is Joao Palhinha the answer to Liverpool's midfield problems? Reds interested in signing £60m-rated Fulham man

Liverpool remain in the market for midfield reinforcements, with Fulham star Joao Palhinha reportedly emerging as a top target for the Reds.

    Portuguese has starred for Cottagers
    Price tag has tripled in less than a year
    Klopp eager to upgrade Anfield engine room

WHAT HAPPENED? The Portugal international was linked with several sides in England before completing a £20 million ($24m) transfer from Sporting to Fulham in the summer of 2022. He has been a revelation at Craven Cottage, with his absence being felt in west London whenever he is unavailable.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Palhinha still has four years left to run on his current contract, but the Daily Mail reports that interest in the classy 27-year-old is beginning to build once more.

AND WHAT'S MORE: They claim that Liverpool would be prepared to meet Fulham's £60m ($73m) asking price for the Portuguese, and he would still be considerably cheaper than Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham – who is expected to come with a nine-figure price tag in the next window.

WHAT NEXT? Fulham are confident that they can keep Palhinha on their books for at least one more season, but their resolve may be tested over the summer as the likes of Liverpool seek to add proven performers to their respective ranks.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/joao-palhinha-answer-liverpool-midfield-interested-60m-fulham/blt4b433192345467d6

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Liverpool 'join race to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha'

Liverpool are reportedly considering whether to move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha during the summer transfer window.

Despite impressing for Sporting Lisbon and establishing himself with Portugal, few Premier League sides made a sustained effort to sign Palhinha last summer.

Fulham eventually edged out long-term suitors Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure a deal for the defensive-minded player, the hope being that he would ensure that the club remain away from the relegation zone.

Instead, Palhinha has emerged as one of the signings of the summer, playing a key role in Fulham sitting in eighth spot and contention for European qualification.

In the absence of the 27-year-old over the past two matches, Fulham have looked a shadow of their normal selves, conceding three times in defeats to Brentford and Arsenal.

From one perspective, Palhinha's value to Fulham has substantially increased during his absence, and Marco Silva will be desperate to retain the services of his compatriot in the long term.

As far as potential suitors are concerned, however, Palhinha's influence has become clearer, theoretically strengthening the chances of offers being made at the end of the campaign.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are ready to enter the race for Palhinha as they look to conduct a midfield rebuild.

Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are expected to depart on free transfers, while James Milner may also leave Anfield in the same circumstances at the end of his contract.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with a number of alternatives, including Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Nunes.

Nevertheless, the need for a new enforcer may be deemed more necessary than a proactive player with the ball, with Palhinha fitting that particular criteria.

Fulham have allegedly placed a price-tag on Palhinha in the region of £60m, treble what they paid Sporting last year, while the player still has over four years remaining on his contract at the West Londoners.

While Fulham are said to be determined to retain Palhinha's services for at least another season, much could depend on the size of any bids made and whether they qualify for Europe.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/transfer-talk/news/liverpool-join-race-to-sign-fulham-midfielder-palhinha_508896.html

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Player ratings: Fulham 0-3 Arsenal

George Rossiter reflects on Fulham's defeat in Sunday's London derby.

Outfought, outplayed and outclassed. Fulham fell to a comprehensive 3-0 defeat against top of the league Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. Mikel Arteta's team were the better side from the off and frankly the game was put to bed by half time. The whites improved in the second half but not enough to change the scoreline. Next up for Fulham is an FA Cup Quarter Final against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Bernd Leno
Leno was one of the only players to come out of the game with any credit in the bank, even in the first half. Playing against his old team, Bernd made a number of good saves to stop a bad defeat becoming a rout. Stops from Martinelli and Xhaka come to mind, as well as a late stop from the returning Gabriel Jesus to prevent Arsenal scoring a fourth. 6.5/10.

Kenny Tete
In a struggling defence, Kenny Tete didn't look *that* bad, especially in comparison to some of his teammates. While Martinelli caused issues, Tete matched him most of the time. Frustratingly, both Martinelli and Odegaard's goals came from original crosses from the Dutchman's side. He did, however, make a brilliant goal-preventing block from Martinelli in the second half to keep the score to 3-0. 6/10.

Tosin
This wasn't like the win over Chelsea where Tosin slotted into Diop's spot seamlessly, not in the slightest. From the off, a number of passes attempted by Tosin fell into the path of Arsenal midfielders, putting Fulham onto the back foot. For a man of his height, not contesting for a header, which Gabriel opened the scoring from, is unforgivable. You'd expect Diop will return at Old Trafford. 4/10.

Tim Ream
While it didn't appear that Ream was making the sort of individual errors that his defensive peers were around him, it was still worrying that Arsenal walked through the centre of our defence on a number of occasions. As well as this, the Gunners scored their second and third goals from positions you'd expect the American to find himself in. 5.5/10.

Antonee Robinson
Unfortunately, Jedi really struggled. Arsenal had the absolute beating of him down their right-hand side, tying the American full-back in knots on multiple occasions. For Martinelli's goal, he almost allows the Brazilian to go unchallenged in the air, and then misses the ball as it comes over him for the third. Robinson has a lot of credit in the bank this season, but this was a disastrous performance by his new, lofty standards. 3.5/10.

Sasa Lukic
Palhinha's suspension may have prompted Silva to throw Lukic into Premier League starts quicker than he'd have liked to, and that showed today. Lukic really struggled to match Arsenal's intensity, something which is so important to do in the middle of the pitch, protecting your backline. It also seemed like he gave Odegaard a free run to goal for Arsenal's third. 5/10.

Harrison Reed
In the circumstances, solid but certainly not spectacular. Reed did the basics right across the pitch, including in the first half, something that cannot be said for most. Furthermore, unlike some others, he certainly didn't give up on chasing Arsenal's players, who seemed to be going at 100 miles an hour. Hopefully a late knock won't rule Reed out of next week's quarter-final. 6.5/10.

Andreas Pereira
Like in a few games recently, Pereira was far too anonymous in the first half. Granted, so were many others, but it's that sort of situation where a playmaker has to grab the  game by the scruff of the neck and spark Fulham's game into life, Pereira failed to do so again. A better second half was all well and good, but the game was over by then. 5/10.

Bobby De-Cordova Reid
Bobby wasn't bad. It was hard for any of the attacking players to effect the game in the first half, where he saw very little of the ball. One of the strongest parts of De-Cordova's game is the defensive cover he offers his full-back, yet in this game it felt like Martinelli had too much space too often, as Bobby was too often led into central positions by the versatile Zinchenko. 5.5/10.

Manor Solomon
Solomon was potentially the only bright spark attacking wise in the first half, and we're talking about a very dim spark at that. The winger still tried taking White on frequently and cut inside to shoot once or twice. He faded as the game went on, potentially due to still building up match fitness in the Premier League. 6/10.

Aleksandar Mitrovic
For most of the game, Mitro had to almost resort to playing in the midfield areas if he was to see any of the ball. His attempts to hold the play up and link with his teammates were respectable, but nobody was giving him anything in reply. The Serb came mightily close on 70 minutes when he crashed a header against a bar, but that was as good as it got. 6.5/10. – Man of the match.

Substitutes
Daniel James and Harry Wilson (76' for Manor Solomon and Andreas Pereira)

The two Welsh wingers came on when the game was dead and struggled to inject any life into the game. Nice to see minutes for the lesser-seen James, who would've hoped for more minutes this season for sure. Neither played for long enough to rate fairly. N/A.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-03-12-player-ratings-fulham-0-3-arsenal/

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Erik ten Hag identifies Fulham star as top summer target - report

Manchester United look set to pip Liverpool to one of the top performers in the Premier League this season

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has identified Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha as his top midfield target this summer.

That is according to reports in The Sun, who believe the Red Devils will face stiff competition for the 27 year old from clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Palhinha only arrived at Craven Cottage ahead of this term, but his combative displays at the base of Fulham's midfield have made him one of the standout stars of the season. The Portugal international has made more tackles (101) than any other Premier League player, while also proving himself a danger from set pieces. Palhinha has chipped in with three goals in his debut campaign in England.

Ten Hag is thought to be a huge admirer, and wants to add quality and depth to a midfield which has been seriously impacted by injuries and suspensions in recent months. The loss of Christian Eriksen, through injury, and Casemiro, for disciplinary reasons, have recently robbed the Dutchman of his favoured midfield pairing.

It is felt Ten Hag believes Palhinha would add a decent blend of silk and steel to his current options, with the player's destructive qualities, and confidence in possession, providing good cover for both Eriksen and Casemiro.

Fulham won't want to sell, however, and any bid will have to take into account the Cottager's €20 million outlay on their star midfielder last July. Palhinha has more than four years remaining on his contract at the West London club.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/erik-ten-hag-identifies-fulham-star-as-top-summer-target-report

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Liverpool 'serious' about high-quality midfield upgrade as selling club prepares for huge profit; Man Utd also eyeing star

Liverpool and Manchester United look set to battle it out for the signing of Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha after a report detailed Jurgen Klopp's interest in him.

Most of Liverpool's attention will be on potential midfield signings in the build up to the summer transfer window. The area has needed strengthening for some time now and the end of the current season appears to be the best time.

Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are both expected to leave Liverpool on free transfers after their contracts expire on June 30. James Milner's deal at Anfield also expires this summer, though Klopp loves his versatility and experience and could therefore ask the club to offer him an extension.

Liverpool have been linked with as many as 46 midfielders in recent months as they cast their scouting network far and wide. But one option already shining in the Premier League is Palhinha.

The 27-year-old moved to the Premier League in July last year as Fulham signed him from Sporting Lisbon for £20million. Palhinha soon established himself as a regular starter under manager Marco Silva. He has so far made 28 appearances in all competitions, registering four goals.

As per WhoScored, Palhinha has made more tackles than any other Fulham player this season, averaging just over four per match. He is also the Cottagers' second-highest rated player, behind talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Palhinha is proving himself to be hugely important for Fulham. One of the reasons why they have lost their last two matches – conceding six goals in total – is that the Portugal international has not been in the squad. He has had to serve a two-game suspension after picking up 10 yellow cards.

Luckily for Silva, Palhinha will be available for selection when Fulham play Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, and in their next league outing against Bournemouth on April 1.

Liverpool, Man Utd both want Prem ace
However, Fulham are at risk of losing the all-action midfielder after just one season. On Sunday, a report in The Sun claimed Manchester United are interested in capturing Palhinha. They believe he could be a great partner for Casemiro in the centre of the pitch.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle are all supposedly keeping tabs on his situation as well.

That report claimed Palhinha is now valued at £40m by Fulham. But the Daily Mail have provided their own information on him and instead claim he could cost £60m this summer.

A transfer at this amount would be triple what Fulham paid for Palhinha in summer 2022. And it is Liverpool who are pushing hardest to complete a deal.

It is claimed the Reds are 'the most serious suitor' for him. While Jude Bellingham is Liverpool's top target, they like the fact Palhinha can be signed for half of the Dortmund star's price.

It must be noted that Fulham believe they can keep the former Sporting ace for an extra year. They will try to convince him to stay by pointing to their success this campaign. They could still qualify for European competition as they occupy eighth spot currently.

However, it is clear Palhinha will soon take the next step in his career and join a major English team. Whether that happens this summer or next remains to be seen.



https://www.teamtalk.com/liverpool/serious-high-quality-midfielder-liverpool-triple-profit-club-man-utd-also-want-star

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Manchester United identify Fulham star as Declan Rice alternative but face competition from five teams

Manchester United have added Fulham star Joao Palhinha to their list of potential midfield targets though could face significant competition this summer, according to reports.

The Portugal international has enjoyed an excellent first season in the Premier League since swapping Sporting Lisbon for Craven Cottage in a £20million deal.

Palhinha has played 24 times in the Premier League for Fulham – though has missed the last two games due to suspension – and netted three times, while he also helped the Cottagers secure their passage to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a wonderful long-range strike against Leeds.

It is his defensive numbers that have really caught the eye, though, with no player completing more tackles than the 27-year-old's 101 successful challenges, while he also has 33 interceptions.

Fulham pulled off something of a coup when Marco Silva managed to lure his compatriot to west London, though they are conscious that his superb displays are garnering a lot of attention.

According to The Sun, chief among Palhinha's suitors is Manchester United, with manager Erik ten Hag keen to bring in a new midfielder this summer.

Fulham would want to at least double their money if they sold the Portuguese enforcer after just one season, which means they would only entertain offers in excess of £40m.

But that would be a relative bargain compared to the fee United would need to pay for another long-time midfield target Declan Rice, who is likely to command a British record transfer fee in excess of £100m.

Table-topping Arsenal are currently the favourites to sign the West Ham skipper, while United are unlikely to reignite a move for Frenkie de Jong after the Dutchman reiterated his commitment to Barcelona.

United will continue to monitor Palhinha until the end of the season, though they are conscious of the fact he has four years left on his contract with Fulham and will not come cheap.

They are also aware of interest from other Premier League clubs, with Newcastle, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all keeping tabs on him.

Liverpool are perhaps the team most in need of a player like Palhinha, though for now their priority is the Fulham star's Portuguese team-mate Matheus Nunes – who has impressed in fits and bursts for Wolves.

Chelsea are also keen to add a new midfielder to their squad in the summer, though are more interested in Moises Caicedo despite the Ecuadorian signing a new contract with Brighton earlier this month.



https://metro.co.uk/2023/03/13/manchester-united-identify-fulham-star-as-declan-rice-alternative-18431602/?ito=newsnow-feed

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Fulham loanee Kieron Bowie talks through injury hardship and his delight at being back fit after game-changing cameo against Hartlepool

Forward missed nearly two months but was back ahead of schedule

Young forward Kieron Bowie was delighted to make his return to action against Hartlepool United on Saturday after admitting it had been a difficult two months sat on the sidelines.

The 20-year-old Fulham loanee had been a regular starter for Jon Brady before he suffered an innocuous injury in training two days before the Cobblers were set to host Mansfield in the middle of January.

"It was before the Mansfield game that was postponed," explained Bowie. "It was on the Thursday, I just sort of twisted in training and at the time I didn't think it was anything serious.

"I thought I would be training the next day but I had to go for a scan. Initially it was meant to be about three months but then I went to see a specialist and it wasn't quite that bad.

"I've put in a lot of hard graft in the gym and with the physio and the sport scientist to get as fit as possible and get back on the pitch and hopefully back in the starting line-up.

"It's hard when you're out on the grass doing your running on your own. You're just eager to get back playing and asking 'when can I be on the bench? When can I come on?' and the medical staff are holding you back to make sure you don't come back too soon.

"But they've looked after me and have got me back at the right time and now I feel fit again."

Bowie impressed off the bench at Victoria Park, his power and athleticism providing Town's attack with a much-needed spark, but any fans hoping to see him start against Mansfield on Tuesday might be disappointed.

"I feel fine and I'll be ready for Mansfield but I'll probably be on the bench again and have limited minutes and then see where we go from there," he added.

"We are getting a lot of injuries at the moment. One comes back and another two get injured. That's just our luck but we have done well and we keep grinding out results."

Bowie had one big chance during his cameo on Saturday when he powered past a defender before blazing over.

"Harv (Lintott) put a good ball down the channel and I did what I do best and just got on the end of it," he added. "I got past the defender and I probably should have scored but sometimes they go in, sometimes they don't and you just have to focus on the next one.

"That's what we did and we got the equaliser in the end so we're happy to come away with a point. We've only had one defeat in nine but it doesn't feel like there's been many wins and we've drawn quite a few games.

"We have fought back a few times and we are still well in that fight."



https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-loanee-kieron-bowie-talks-through-injury-hardship-and-his-delight-at-being-back-fit-after-game-changing-cameo-against-hartlepool-4061614

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Fulham refusing to panic after Arsenal horror show as attention turns to Manchester United FA Cup clash

Captain Tim Ream not concerned after back-to-back defensive nightmares in London derbies

Tim Ream has admitted that Fulham suffered "breakdowns in communication" during their first-half defensive horror show against Arsenal.

Marco Silva's side let in three goals and were fortunate not to concede more in a dreadful opening 45 minutes at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Gabriel, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli all scored for Arsenal as Fulham lost 3-0 after one of their worst performances in an otherwise excellent season.

And Cottagers captain Ream accepted their backline were culpable on a difficult afternoon against the Premier League leaders.

"There were a lot of things that didn't go right," he said. "We were giving the ball away in bad areas, there were breakdowns in communication in where to be. Overall, not a great day for us."

A VAR check for offside gave Fulham an early let-off after Antonee Robinson scored an own goal, but the hosts were regularly carved open by Arsenal in the first half.

"It gave us a little bit of a reprieve," said Ream. "We took it as a warning sign but didn't use it to our advantage enough and unfortunately it wasn't long after that they got their first goal.

"We just haven't been at the races in the last few games. It's something that we'll look at, analyse, and try to put right on Sunday [against Manchester United in an FA Cup quarter-final].

"It's not a bad thing that we're disappointed. There's no panic. Of course we want to win and want to play in the semi-final at Wembley. But when you start throwing in words like 'desperation' you start doing silly things, and that's not what the manager is about."

Fulham also conceded three goals in their west London derby loss at Brentford last week and are now eighth in the table after back-to-back defeats.

On the looming trip to Old Trafford, Ream said: "I'm excited. We've taken the competition very seriously. Now we're in with a chance to get to a semi-final and Wembley. We have to switch gears now."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-arsenal-man-utd-fa-cup-tim-ream-b1066853.html

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Leeds United named in list of nine Premier League clubs admiring 45-year-old manager

Leeds United are reportedly one of the clubs that are admiring the work of Marco Silva at Fulham, and his club might face a battle to keep hold of him in the summer.

While Leeds are hoping that the appointment of Javi Gracia keeps them in the division this season, having dropped to 19th in the Premier League on Saturday despite drawing at home to Brighton, they are still likely to be conducting a search over a long-term option.

Who the club appoints remains to be seen, given candidates will vary depending on survival, Gracia's performance, and who is actually keen on the role.

Who has been linked?
The Daily Mail (13/3, page 3) are claiming that Leeds are one of a number of clubs in the Premier League that are taking admiring glances at Fulham boss Marco Silva.

Silva has guided Fulham totally clear of the relegation battle this season after clinching promotion, as they sit on 38 points and in 8th.

The Portuguese manager is in his fourth Premier League job, having previous managed Hull City, Watford (whom Gracia took over from in 2018), Everton, and now the Cottagers.

Who else wants Silva?
Other clubs in the Premier League could end up needing to change managers in the summer too, and the report names a host of them:

    "The top jobs at Brighton, Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Leicester, West Ham, Leeds and Southampton could all conceivably be available. Silva's work at Fulham has not gone unnoticed by rival clubs."

I just do not see how Fulham let him go to us, or why Silva would want to leave for us.

His club are backing him with shrewd investment, while Leeds and others are floundering at the bottom end of the table.

I do think they are massively overachieving and could find themselves in the bottom half next season if they aren't careful, but they will want to kick on now.

Finishing in the top half, as they should from here, needs further work in the summer to build, something we didn't do.



https://www.leedsallover.com/leeds-united-named-in-list-of-nine-premier-league-clubs-admiring-45-year-old-manager/

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'More to come' – Fulham loanee sets sights on adding goals after opening Charlton account in stunning fashion

Fulham loanee Steven Sessegnon hopes to add more goals to his game before the end of the season after opening his Charlton Athletic account in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley.

John Coleman's side opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Shaun Whalley looped a header over Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

But Sessegnon pulled Charlton level nine minutes later with a stunning 35-yard effort that curled beyond Accrington keeper Toby Savin.

"Not a bad goal, in my opinion," the 22-Year-old told CharltonTV.

"I would have liked it to be for a win, but it wasn't to be.

"If you watch our previous games, I always aim to get one shot on goal. Today was the day it went in.

"I'm hoping there is a lot more to come. I know I have started late, but better late than never. Hopefully, there is many more to come before the end of the season.

"The front players are who score our goals, but we want to add goals from midfield and defence. Hopefully, we can add a lot more today. We probably could have had two or three today.

"We created a lot more chances than we have in previous games. Today we had a couple of clear-cut chances, but maybe they could have scored a lot more. Maybe a draw was a fair result."

The defender made his 29th appearance of this season on Saturday.

"This is the most games I have played in a season, so I'm very proud of the achievement," added the former Plymouth loanee.

"There are still many games to play until the end of the season. Hopefully, I can keep racking up appearances for this wonderful club."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/more-to-come-fulham-loanee-sets-sights-on-adding-goals-after-opening-charlton-account-in-stunning-fashion/

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How Fulham's defence crumbled against Arsenal in major warning sign for European bid

Analysing the key defensive failings in the Cottagers' defeat

When Muse's 'Supermassive Black Hole' was played on the loudspeaker at half-time against Arsenal, it was an appropriate description of Fulham's defence.

By the time referee David Coote blew for the break, Fulham were 3-0 down and already well beaten. While Arsenal had attacked with sheer class, their hosts had also been masters of their own downfall.

This has been a season Fulham fans will not forget in a hurry. They are eighth in the table, pushing for Europe and face Manchester United in an FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

But this was a dark day for Marco Silva and his players, and one that will leave United licking their lips.

Fulham's back four were always in for a tough afternoon against Arsenal's fluid trio of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, yet they gifted them space, time, and goals.

After 16 minutes, Kenny Tete was horribly caught out when Granit Xhaka played Martinelli in behind. Tete was left for dead and soon Antonee Robinson turned the ball home for an own goal. VAR ruled an offside in the build-up, and Robinson and Fulham had a let-off.

That reprieve was short-lived though, with Arsenal taking the lead just five minutes later when Gabriel headed Trossard's cross home. He had been tepidly challenged by four Fulham players for the header, but they got in each other's way and Gabriel cashed in.

What followed was even worse. Tete allowed Trossard to cross again and all Robinson did in his efforts to put Martinelli off was crouch down. That did nothing to distract the Brazilian, who nodded in the second.

And Fulham were at it again in first-half stoppage time, gift-wrapping Arsenal's third goal from their own throw-in. Trossard turned provider for the third time. Robinson, to cap off a dreadful individual display, should have headed the cross clear but leapt too early. Suddenly the ball was at Martin Odegaard's feet. Touch, touch, goal... and game over.

On another occasion, Odegaard shot just wide with seven Fulham players simply stood there spectating.

Fulham were embarrassed and their disorderly defending will be a concern for Marco Silva, who must tighten up a leaky backline in their bid to qualify for Europe.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-arsenal-fc-defence-analysis-b1066899.html

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Former Newcastle United, Fulham and Aston Villa defender lands coaching job with international side

A former Newcastle United defender has made his way into international coaching.

Former Newcastle United star Aaron Hughes has a new job.

Hughes came through the Magpies academy ahead of making 205 Premier League appearances until his eventual departure for Aston Villa in 2005. The former defender enjoyed a long and successful career, both at club and international level, also racking up as many as 112 appearances for Northern Ireland.

Ahead of the upcoming Euro 2024 campaign, Hughes has now been appointed as senior coach under Michael O'Neill, the man he worked under as a player in O'Neill's first reign as boss, which included the successful Euro 2016 campaign.

Speaking about the appointment, O'Neill said: "Aaron brings great experience as a player and a level of professionalism which will be particularly invaluable to the younger players in the squad. Having someone who has represented their country as many times as he did can only be a positive thing to have around the squad."

Hughes hung up his boots as a player in 2018 after spending two years with Hearts, retiring at the age of 39. Fortunately, he had already been working on his coaching badges, and he hasn't had to wait too long for his first major job. Northern Ireland were not able to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, but they will feel they have a better chance of making it to Euro 2024 in Germany.

Their campaign starts in just a couple of weeks, on March 23, when they face San Marino, ahead of facing Finland just three days later. Denmark and Kazakhstan make up the rest of the group, with two spots available for qualification.

Hughes also took in spells at Fulham, Brighton and QPR during his playing career.



https://www.newcastleworld.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/former-newcastle-united-defender-lands-coaching-job-with-international-side-4062229

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Liverpool need to pay £60 million to sign Joao Palhinha

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing the Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The 27-year-old has made a name for himself since his move to the Premier League from Sporting CP. His performances have attracted the attention of the top clubs and a report from the Daily Mail claims that Liverpool are now keeping tabs on him.

Palhinha has certainly established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the league and he has been crucial to Fulham's impressive season so far.

The Portuguese international is at the peak of his career and he could prove to be a quality acquisition for Liverpool.

The Reds are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements with players like Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set to leave the club on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have not been at their best and they will have to be replaced as first-choice starters as well.

Liverpool have had to rely on talented young midfielders like Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliott quite often this season.

Jurgen Klopp should look to bring in multiple midfield reinforcements at the end of the season and Palhinha could prove to be a superb addition.

The Fulham midfielder is reportedly valued at £60 million and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool are prepared to pay the asking price for him.

The opportunity to join Liverpool is likely to be a tempting proposition for the Portuguese international and he could have his head turned by the interest from the Reds.

Liverpool have been linked with his compatriot Matheus Nunes at Wolverhampton Wanderers as well. Meanwhile, Liverpool are thought to be keen on signing the England international Jude Bellingham as well.

Palhinha has four years left to run on his current deal and the London club are unlikely to let him leave for a lockdown price. Fulham paid £20m for him and they will look to make a substantial profit if the likes of Liverpool come calling at the end of the season.

Palhinha is settled in the Premier League and he could make an immediate impact at Anfield next season.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/03/13/liverpool-need-to-pay-60-million-to-sign-joao-palhinha/

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Sources: Fulham accelerate Marco Silva new deal talks to fend off Tottenham

Fulham are set to pull out all the stops to keep manager Marco Silva with Tottenham interested in making him their new boss, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed the Cottagers have held talks with the 45-year-old about a new contract but want to accelerate negotiations in order to end speculation.

Silva's stock has risen in the 2022-23 campaign, with Fulham sitting eighth in the Premier League after promotion from the Championship last season.

Football Insider revealed on Saturday (11 March) that Tottenham are expected to mutually agree to part ways with Antonio Conte in June – when his contract expires.

The Lilywhites have been left unhappy with the Italian's jibes over a lack of transfer backing – while on the pitch the club have crashed out of every cup competition in the early rounds.

It is believed that Silva is not at the top of Tottenham's shortlist of potential replacements – but that could change if their top targets are unwilling to take the role.

The former Everton and Hull City boss is under contract at Craven Cottage until June 2024.

Speaking about his future at Fulham (per Football Daily, 10 March), Silva refused to comment on the speculation linking him with Tottenham – insisting he is "very happy" in his current role.

The Cottagers are firmly in the hunt for European qualification this season and are level on points with seventh-place Brighton in the hunt for a Europa Conference League place.

Silva's previous spells in the Premier League have ended badly – with his first job in England leading to the relegation of Hull in 2017 despite a turnaround in results.

The former Olympiacos boss was also sacked at Watford and Everton despite achieving an eighth-place finish in his first season with the Toffees.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-fulham-accelerate-marco-silva-new-deal-talks-to-fend-off-tottenham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham in talks to sign Alejandro Grimaldo

Fulham have reportedly already held talks over the possibility of signing Alejandro Grimaldo during the summer.

Fulham are among clubs interested in landing Alejandro Grimaldo. And contact has now been made with the Benfica defender's representatives, according to The Athletic. The Benfica star will be out of contract at the end of the season, and several clubs are looking at him.

Grimaldo has been coveted for a long time, especially by clubs in the Premier League. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Newcastle United have already attempted to sign him in the past. But it is unclear whether they will do so again. As per the above report, the 27-year-old left-back is garnering interest from all over Europe at the moment.

Nice have tabled a formal proposal to the defender, while Real Sociedad, Valencia, and Borussia Dortmund are all keen on acquiring his services. Grimaldo is an incredibly gifted player. He joined Benfica after graduating from the Barcelona academy in 2016.

Since then, he has not looked back and has come leaps and bounds to establish himself as one of the most consistent attacking left-backs in Europe. He has made 291 appearances for the Portuguese outfit, racking up a whopping 87 goal contributions in the process.

Capable of defending adequately as well as providing a threat going forward, it is no wonder so many clubs are chasing after his services. And a European pedigree player available for absolutely nothing come summer makes him an even more appealing proposition to Premier League clubs.

The Spanish defender has been top-class for Benfica this season and recently helped the Eagles reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. He has chipped in with four goals and 13 assists in 32 Champions League and Liga Portugal appearances. In wake of his stellar performances this season, he has been called into the Spain squad ahead of the international break later this month and will be hoping to earn his first caps in games against Norway and Scotland.

With his time in Portugal drawing to a close and him set to walk away on a free transfer, it seems that Nottingham Forest and Fulham have already made their first moves to bring him to the Premier League. While the Tricky Trees are currently in the midst of a relegation scrap, the high-flying Cottagers may provide the player with a more considerable prospect.

Marco Silva has used Antonee Robinson as his left-back this season. And while the USMNT international has been in impressive form this term and has pace to bomb up and down all day long, the Fulham manager could look to bring in a more ball-dominant specialist player for that role.

Moreover, Robinson has attracted admiring glances from Manchester City and Newcastle United in recent times and could be on his way out in the summer. His arrival would also lighten up the creative burden on Andreas Pereira, who has been excellent for Fulham this season but has looked jaded lately.

The Spaniard is a wanted man, and signing him won't come easy for a club like Fulham. That said, they have pulled off more bizarre coups in the past. And there is no reason why they should not try their luck in the race for the Spaniard's signature now.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/03/13/fulham-in-talks-to-sign-alejandro-grimaldo/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham warned they must pay £25m to sign 'best midfielder' in the country

Premier League outfit Fulham remain keen on Andre but Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz wants around £25 million for the 'best defensive midfielder in Brazilian football', speaking to ESPN.

Marco Silva's side have enjoyed plenty of success when it comes to signing Samba talent of late. Willian has been a man reborn at Craven Cottage; the Chelsea version returning to prove that Arsenal spell was little more than a blip in his career.

Andreas Pereira has been quietly excellent since arriving from Manchester United. And while Carlos Vinicius lacks consistency in attack, he will always have that London derby winner against Graham Potter's Blues to look back on.

Fulham, Globo Esporte say, hope to add another Portuguese-speaker to their ranks. The Cottagers failed with a £17 million bid for Andre in January but could return with a vengeance come the summer; an excellent campaign meaning they can draw up their off-season plans without the fear of relegation impacting their budget.

Diniz, however, wants a colossal fee for a man who also has admirers in Spain and Italy.

Will Fulham sign Fluminense's Andre?
"Andre today must be worth 20 to 30 million euros. (He is the) best defensive midfielder in Brazilian football," says Diniz. 

"He'll have an easy career when he migrates to Europe. He should play at one, two or three World Cups."

21-year-old Andre is yet to make his debut for the Brazilian national team. That could soon change, however; Fluminense's number seven handed a call-up by interim coach Ramon Menezes ahead of this month's international break.

Club president Mario Bittencourt, meanwhile, expects to see Andre stay until the New Year at least.

"We have an agreement with him that, in 2023, he will stay here to play in the Copa Libertadores," Bittencourt tells Netflu. 

"At the end of 2023, we will evaluate if interesting offers arrive. But, for sure, during 2023 Andre will not be sold. He will stay with us throughout the year." 



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/03/13/fulham-warned-they-must-pay-25m-to-sign-best-midfielder-in-the-country/

[WhiteJC]

Newcastle United: Magpies eyeing Joao Palhinha

Newcastle United are reportedly battling clubs from the Premier League's 'big six' to sign Fulham defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer.

The Lowdown: Midfielder wanted
Newcastle have been linked with moves for the likes of Lille's Carlos Baleba and Chelsea's Mason Mount, suggesting that they would like to sign a new midfielder in the summer.

They decided to let Jonjo Shelvey go to Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window, while both Matt Ritchie and Matty Longstaff are currently being allowed to run their contracts down, meaning that a space will open up in Eddie Howe's squad for a midfielder to come in.

The Latest: Palhinha interest
According to The Sun, the Magpies are just one of a number of clubs 'monitoring' Palhinha's situation ahead of a potential summer move.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are all also interested in his signature, whose market value has risen to over £40m since Fulham bought him for just £17m last summer.

The Verdict: No-brainer
Signing a player of Palhinha's quality is surely a no-brainer for the Tynesiders if they want to advance in their long-term project.

Hailed as a 'sensational' player and an 'artist' by journalist Josh Bunting, the six-foot-three-colossus has been a standout midfielder not just in the Premier League, but in Europe as well, ranking in the top 10% for tackles, clearances and aerials won per game.

At 27 years of age, the Toon would be signing a player in his prime, and with the top-flight experience already under his belt, this seems like a very smart signing to make.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-news/joao-palhinha-transfer-news-tottenham-liverpool-arsenal/

[ianthailand]

Liverpool will drop out of the Palhinha hunt when they realise it won't go to a tribunal and they would have to pay more than 8 million pounds.

[Jim©]

£8m? They usually get about 3 or 4 players for that!

[demeant0r]

Jesus Christ, everyone and their mothers are after Palhinha. This is not looking good. Let's hope he actually wants to stay.