Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 21/06/23...

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West Ham United chances of signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha to replace Declan Rice shared by Sky Sports pundit

Sky Sports pundit Darren Ambrose has been bullish on the West Ham pursuit of Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer.

The Hammers are set to lose Declan Rice this summer with Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea among the teams linked with the England international.

Reports of his replacement have been circulating with the Sun claiming that the Hammers are willing to shell out £40million for Palhinha but that the West London club will be tempted by £50million.

Ambrose said on talkSPORT on 19 June, "I can (see him joining West Ham). Depending on what he is being offered.

"West Ham, at the moment, you would say it's a step up from Fulham, however well Fulham did last season. They surprised a lot of people.

"I think West Ham massively underachieved last season. They need to improve, and in order to improve, they need to get players that were better than them last season and Palhinha is one of them.

"If you have got the chance to sign Palhinha, people will be screaming at their radios 'How is that a step up?' But if you look at the actual football clubs and what they achieved last season, Fulham overachieved and West Ham underachieved, so I can see that happening."

Top replacement
The major reason for Fulham overachieving this past season was the fact that they had someone like Palhinha anchoring the midfield for them.

He was nearly flawless in that role for Marco Silva and the price quoted is fair for someone of his calibre.

There could be midfielders in Europe cheaper but they may not fancy a move to West Ham, due to their lack of Champions League football.

Palhinha does not appear to be linked with any European elite clubs thus far and if a deal can be struck soon then it would be a fantastic piece of business.

Breaking the Lines, in their scouting report, billed him as an "Exceptional" player and he could be just what the Hammers need to replace Rice.

It remains to be seen if West Ham can bring down the price for the 27-year-old and even in case they don't, he's worth the money.



https://www.westhamzone.com/news/west-ham-united-chances-of-signing-fulham-midfielder-joao-palhinha-to-replace-declan-rice-shared-by-sky-sports-pundit/

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Building for Premier League stability, part 3: midfielders
In a four-part series analysing Fulham's options going forward, George Rossiter assesses our squad as we look to build on a brilliant first season back in the Premier League. In part three, we look at the midfield.

Who do we have?
Fulham look good numbers wise in the engine room. In terms of senior players, we currently have Harrison Reed, Joao Palhinha, Sasa Lukic, Andreas Pereira, Tom Cairney and the lesser-spotted Tyrese Francois. The consistent midfield trio of Palhinha, Reed and Pereira were superb throughout the 2022/23 season. Cairney played a huge role coming off the bench almost every week before filling in for Pereira in the run-in. Lukic has started to show his quality and will surely play a larger role next time out. Francois might be at a stage in his career now where he has to look elsewhere for first team football.

What do we need?
Despite having decent depth already, last year only proved that we do need more. Palhinha's occasional absences left us looking for solutions that just didn't fit. Be it Nathaniel Chalobah or even to a degree, Sasa Lukic, nothing quite worked. A quality number six, perhaps a young one to develop for the future, is important to nullify the loss of Palhinha when the odd suspension occurs. We do also have to consider the possibility of Joao leaving in the next 12 months with half of Europe seemingly wanting his signature on a contract.

The other position to consider is the number 10 role. Pereira had a brilliant first season, but sustained a serious leg injury against Manchester City and is unlikely to be ready for the start of next season. While Cairney filled in admirably, it does appear that Silva sees him as more of a number eight now, so depth in this position is entirely necessary and will surely be a position that the club look to invest in this summer.

Who's coming back from loan?
In terms of players that could be in first team contention, there's not much to say here. Tyrese Francois played 10 times for Croatian side HNK Gorica before returning to Motspur Park; it seems unlikely that he'd get many first team opportunities going forward. Adrion Pajaziti went out on loan to Norweigan side Haugesund in February, and it looks likely that move will be made permanent with an option to buy included in the deal. Sonny Hilton played seven times in a brief loan spell at Carlisle and has since been released by the club. Jonathan Page has also been released since returning from Farnborough. Ollie O'Neill will also be returning after playing 19 times for Derry City in the 2022/23 season in his home country Ireland.

Academy prospects
Luke Harris remains the standout here. While his chances in the first team were limited this season just gone, the hope will be that he plays a bigger part going forward after agreeing a new deal with the club. Harris had another fantastic season at youth level and the sky seems to be the limit for the Welshman who continues to earn callups for Rob Page's National side.

Other players highly rated within the youth setup are Ollie O'Neill and Matt Dibley-Dias. Versatile Irishman O'Neill joined Derry on a six-moth deal in February, and has now returned to his parent club with Derry sat in second place after 21 games in the Irish Premier Division. O'Neill's current deal with the club runs through to 2025 and he was an unused substitute in the league cup defeat to Leeds in 2021, more occasional cup chances may follow. Dibley-Dias is another advanced midfielder, who seems to be very highly rated by Silva, who has included the Brazilian in first team training on a number of occasions. Like O'Neill, any favourable cup tie may provide opportunities for him to make a matchday squad.

Final assessment
Assuming no big departures, Fulham go into pre-season with a healthy midfield department. But there is no room for complacency; Fulham have to be clever with future-proofing. There is no guarantee that Palhinha stays. There is no guarantee that Lukic's transition into the squad gets any easier. There is no guarantee that Pereira has zero injury complications when he does return. Signings have to be made and they have to make sense.

Fulham are definitely in the market for another advanced midfielder. Fabio Carvalho has already been linked with a return, most probably on loan. Whether that materialises or not, it's a sign of intent from the club to make sure they have another player in that position. Ambitious targets could include Tiago Almada, arguably the MLS's best player at the moment (until a certain Lionel Messi turns up in Miami), or maybe even the return of Carvalho on a permanent deal.

As mentioned, another number six is needed, whether Palhinha stays or goes. Fred of Manchester United has been linked and would be a statement signing for the club. Whether he is the out-and-out defensive midfielder Fulham need or not is another question. I personally like James Garner of Everton, a player who found his minutes limited due to injury and the presence of Amadou Onana. His profile of player, a young combative number six with huge room to grow, is the exact sort of player Fulham should be looking for this summer.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-06-20-building-for-premier-league-stability-part-3-midfielders/

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'Definitely not convinced': Journalist just can't believe Spurs will actually sign £13m player now

Dean Jones is unconvinced by the links between Tottenham and Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo.

Speaking on the Chasing Green Arrows YouTube channel, the journalist was discussing the recent reports linking Spurs with two Fulham players.

Manor Solomon and Tosin have both been linked with Spurs, but Jones isn't convinced that the links to Tosin are legitimate.

Indeed, the journalist just couldn't bring himself to believe that the £13m defender would actually be signing for Tottenham this summer.
 
Tosin links unconvincing
Jones shared what he knows about Tosin and Solomon.

"I'm not sure about the Tottenham link. I'm not convinced by it, Tottenham have been linked also to Fulham defender, Tosin, and I'm definitely not convinced by that one either. There hasn't been any contact there. I'm not sure exactly where these links are coming from," Jones said.

"Manor Solomon is a bit of a complicated transfer. Fulham have had confidence in signing Manor Solomon back for a couple of months, but yeah, there hasn't really been any progress from what I understand."
 
Not improbable
Jones has some strong links to Fulham, so it's fair to assume that his information on this subject is correct.

However, at the same time, it's also not improbable to think that Spurs would be in for Tosin.

A front-foot defender who is suited to the Premier League, Tosin could be perfect for Ange Postecoglou's new system.

Factor in that Daniel Levy has a tendency to pinch Fulham's top talents such as Mousa Dembele, Clint Dempsey and Ryan Sessegnon over the years, and this is a transfer that makes a bit of sense.

This is certainly one to keep an eye on as we head into the summer.



https://tbrfootball.com/definitely-not-convinced-journalist-just-cant-believe-spurs-will-actually-sign-13m-player-now/

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Premier League star asked to make 'step up' to West Ham

Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha was one of the standouts in last season's Premier League, and it is no surprise that he is attracting interest. Where he ends up, remains a subject of debate.

One of the interested parties is thought to be West Ham United. The Hammers are resigned to losing Declan Rice this summer, albeit for a major fee, and Fabrizio Romano believes that the Portuguese lynchpin is top of their shortlist.

Palhinha may well be able to aim for Champions League football this summer, depending on what offers arrive, but Darren Ambrose has explained that West Ham is a step up from Fulham in spite of the fact the latter finished above them.

"I can (see him making that move across the capital), depending on what he is being offered," Ambrose told Talksport via HITC.

"West Ham, at the moment, you would say it's a step up from Fulham, however well Fulham did last season. They surprised a lot of people."

"I think West Ham massively underachieved last season. They need to improve, and in order to improve, they need to get players that were better than them last season and Palhinha is one of them."

"If you have got the chance to sign Palhinha, people will be screaming at their radios 'how is that a step up?' But if you look at the actual football clubs and what they achieved last season, Fulham overachieved and West Ham underachieved, so I can see that happening."

David Moyes secured West Ham's first European trophy in a number of years. While Fulham are performing well, the attraction of the London Stadium and European football might be enough to entice Palhinha. No doubt they will have to make it worth is while though.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/06/20/premier-league-star-asked-to-make-step-up-to-west-ham/

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Newcastle United remain keen on Antonee Robinson as left-back transfer options assessed

Newcastle United are on the hunt for a new left-back and have interest in Fulham's Antonee Robinson

Newcastle United still hold an interest in Fulham star Antonee Robinson as the club's search for a new left-back continues. The Magpies are keen to strengthen in the full-back department despite Dan Burn's fine season as Eddie Howe's go-to option on the left of the back four.

Robinson has 12 months to run on his Fulham deal and is attracting interest as the Cottagers try to tie him down to a new contract. Chronicle Live understands the USA international could be available for less than £30m if he decides not to extend his stay in west London.

Newcastle first registered an interest in the 25-year-old back in January but will face competition for his signature this summer. Both Milan sides have previously expressed their desire to take Robinson to Italy's top flight, while Manchester City have cast their eye over the player.

Elsewhere, Newcastle may get the chance to sign a Serie A star of their own in the form of Sassuolo full-back Rogerio. The player's representatives are touting their client's services to clubs across Europe after previous interest from the north east outfit.

The Brazilian, 25, was first linked with a move to Newcastle in 2020 and speculation continues to rear its head over a possible deal. Sassuolo are said to want £15m for the left-back this summer.

Other options continue to be assessed as Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth attempt to kickstart Newcastle's summer window. Speculation emerged over the weekend regarding a shock move for Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella.

The Spaniard, 24, endured a tough debut campaign at Stamford Bridge but previously proved to be one of the league's best left-backs during his time at Brighton. The Daily Mirror report Cucurella could be available for just £30m this summer and Newcastle have added him to their shortlist.

Kieran Tierney remains a key target too despite Arsenal driving a hard bargain for the Scottish international. The Gunners need first-team players off the books as they plot a major summer revamp. Tierney would command a fee of around £30m-plus but would add vital experience and ability to Newcastle's current crop of talent.

Current Toon left-back Paul Dummett has been offered a new deal on Tyneside, while Matt Targett has hardly put a foot wrong since joining Howe's side from Aston Villa. Burn has also recently extended his deal after activating a one-year extension.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-remain-keen-antonee-27160057

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Tottenham learn new deadline for Manor Solomon transfer decision amid Fulham battle

London rivals are both competing to sign Israeli winger despite the threat of legal action from Shakhtar Donetsk

Tottenham transfer target Manor Solomon will decide on his club future after a summer holiday.

The 23-year-old Israeli winger spent this season on loan at Fulham, after a FIFA ruling allowed foreign players to leave Shakhtar Donetsk indefinitely, amid the war in Ukraine.

Solomon performed well for Marco Silva's side, scoring in five straight games between February and March.

He has since attracted interested from Tottenham, but Shakhtar have threatened to sue Spurs if they try to sign him for free, despite FIFA extending the ruling that allowed him to leave Ukraine and handing unilateral power to the player.

Solomon scored the winner in Israel's Euro 2024 qualifying win over Andorra on Monday night, and Standard Sport understands that he is now heading to Ibiza for a seven-day holiday.

Other clubs are interested in signing Solomon, with Spurs and Fulham the frontrunners.

However, Fulham must restart negotiations to secure a permanent deal because his spell this season was an emergency loan with no option to extend.

Solomon has registered seven goals and nine assists in 35 internationals since making his senior Israel debut in 2018.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-transfer-news-manor-solomon-fulham-b1089042.html

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West Ham United ready to offer £40 million to sign Joao Palhinha
West Ham United will soon offer £40 million to sign 27-year-old Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha from fellow London club Fulham.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Joao Palhinha remains a top target for West Ham United. And the Hammers are ready to offer £40 million to secure the services of the 27-year-old midfielder. Meanwhile, the Fulham midfielder is also on the radars of several top clubs this summer.

Joao Palhinha has taken no time to establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. The Portuguese international joined Fulham after nearly a decade with Sporting CP. And he almost immediately became a pivotal figure for the West London club in the 2022/23 season.

The 27-year-old barely missed a game for Fulham this past season, turning out 40 times across all competitions while chipping in with four goals. And Palhinha's progress has captured the attention of several high-profile clubs, including West Ham United.

West Ham United will likely lose Declan Rice in the summer transfer window. The English international is a popular figure in the transfer market following his incredible progress in the last half a decade. And clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United are keen on signing the West Ham captain, with the former leading the race to secure his services.

West Ham will thus delve into the market for a midfielder in the summer transfer window. And Joao Palhinha has emerged as a viable target for the East London club. The Hammers have seemingly not wasted any time in pursuing the 27-year-old. And they are preparing the opening offer to present to Fulham.

The report claims that West Ham will propose a deal worth £40 million to fellow London club Fulham. But it is unclear if the Cottagers will be ready to accept such a sum to part ways with the Portuguese international. That said, Fulham will unlikely give the green light to an agreement worth £40 million.

Palhinha only joined Fulham last summer and has been one of the first names on the team sheet under Marco Silva. So the West London club will unlikely sanction a deal worth £40 million. And it will be interesting to see how the Hammers respond following the answer to their opening bid.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/06/20/west-ham-united-ready-to-offer-40-million-to-sign-joao-palhinha/

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Fulham 'presented' with potential summer target with defender eyed

Latest Fulham transfer news and rumours as they prepare for another year in the Premier League

Fulham adapted well to life in the Premier League last season following their promotion from the Championship in 2022. The Whites finished 10th in the table.

They have the chance to add some signings into their squad now the transfer window is open. With that in mind, here is a look at some of the latest news and rumours coming out of the club...

Left-back eyed
Newcastle United still 'hold an interest' in Fulham defender Antonee Robinson, according to a report by ChronicleLive. The left-back made the switch to Craven Cottage from Wigan Athletic back in 2020. He has since made 108 appearances in all competitions and has chipped in with three goals.

Midfielder offered
The Cottagers have been 'presented' with the chance to sign Wolfsburg midfielder Aster Vranckx, according to reporter Sacha Tavolieri. The 20-year-old, who is a Belgium international with a single cap under his belt, is at a crossroads at the moment following an unsuccessful loan spell away in Italy with AC Milan in the last campaign. He moved to the Volkswagen Arena in 2021 from Mechelen and has since featured 29 times for the Bundesliga outfit.

Former player becomes free agent
Former Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen has left second tier outfit QPR by mutual consent. He will now have to weigh up his options as a free agent.

He spent five years with the Whites from 2016 to 2021 and helped them win promotion to the top flight twice. He has told the Hoops' website: "There is no bad blood at all, I have had conversations with the club and I think it's time to move on.

"It suits all parties that I am leaving now. I have had a great time but do wish that I could have achieved what I came here to do, which was promotion to the Premier League. From the moment Gareth (Ainsworth) walked through the door we got on really well. We respect each other and have a strong relationship. He is a great guy and I leave the club with him as a good friend."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-presented-with-potential-summer-target-with-defender-eyed-4189855

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Bradford City sign ex-Sheffield United, Burnley, Wolves and Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald - at second time of asking
NEW BRADFORD CITY signing Kevin McDonald has expressed his relief after signing for the Bantams - at the second time of asking.

The former Sheffield United, Wolves, Fulham and Burnley midfielder spent time on trial on City in January, but a deal did not transpire at the time. But he has now linked up with the club on a permanent basis, signing a two-year contract.

The ball-playing schemer joined up with League One outfit Exeter City later that month on a short-term deal and made 11 appearances for the Grecians in the second half of 2022-23, scoring three goals.

The Devon outfit offered the 34-year-old a new deal, but he turned down fresh terms and he now returned to Yorkshire, having played for the Blades between 2011-13 before moving to Wolves in a £750,000 deal.

McDonald, capped five times by Scotland, subsequently joined Fulham and was promoted to the top-flight on three occasions with the West London club.

The Carnoustie-born player also went up to the Premier League with Burnley in the early days of his career.

McDonald, City's third close-season signing, said: "It is great to get the deal over the line and be here. It has been a long time coming. There has been a lot of work behind the scenes, so to get it finally sorted is exciting.

"I was here on trial for three days in January and enjoyed my time. What I noticed was a good group of lads with a lot of quality and togetherness, and I like that in a dressing room.

"As a footballer, you want to play in the biggest stadiums and under pressure. I pride myself on being capable in pressurised environments.

"I do not want to come here and see out a career, I want to be here to get promoted and am looking forward to getting started."

City manager Mark Hughes said: "We are pleased to be welcoming Kevin to the club, as a player we already know a lot about.

"After spending a short period with us on trial back in January, he impressed us a lot before eventually joining Exeter City, so to have him with us now is great.

"He is a combative midfielder with bags of experience in the Premier League and Championship, as well as on the international scene with Scotland. He will add even more drive and leadership to our midfield, with his goalscoring numbers at Exeter last season also impressive."



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city-sign-ex-sheffield-united-burnley-wolves-and-fulham-midfielder-kevin-mcdonald-at-second-time-of-asking-4190078

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Manchester United put £20m Fred up for sale amid Fulham interest

Exclusive: The Brazilian midfielder has just one year left on his contract and would be interested in a move to Craven Cottage

Fulham want to sign Manchester United midfielder Fred. The Brazil international has just one more year left on his contract at Old Trafford and is one of a number of first-team players up for sale ahead of a hoped for significant squad overhaul.

United are understood to want a fee of £20 million for Fred but that is certainly more than Fulham are prepared to pay. They hope that a compromise can be reached given he is for sale.

Fulham have registered their interest in the 30-year-old but, so far, have not held any detailed discussions over the financial structure of a deal.

It is believed that Fred, who will not be offered a new deal at United, would be willing to join Fulham and work under head coach Marco Silva.

However United will probably have to lower their asking price for Fred who joined them for £52 million in 2018 on a five-year contract from Shakhtar Donestk. United triggered a 12-month extension last December to protect the player's transfer value and now want to sell.

After the FA Cup, which United lost to Manchester City, Fred revealed that he wanted to hold talks with Ten Hag over his future. "I'll talk to my staff, to the club and see what is everyone's decision," he said. "I do have to talk with Ten Hag as well, he's the manager and the conversation has to involve everyone. We have to see how next season will plan out. I want to be important, I want to help the team, so we'll see. But I've always been and still am very happy at Manchester United."

Fred, who was not a regular first-choice last season, is part of a clear-out planned by Ten Hag, who is hoping to bolster the transfer funds available to him this summer with a number of sales.

Also believed to be up for sale is fellow midfielder Scott McTominay although he is contracted until June 2025 and is regarded as less of a priority than Fred. Ten Hag is prepared to keep the 26-year-old although he has drawn interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

More urgently United are hoping to sell Harry Maguire, although he could stay but is unlikely to be first-choice, Anthony Martial and are willing to listen to offers for Anthony Elanga. There is also hope that Eric Bailly, who has been on loan at Marseille, and Alex Telles, who has been at Sevilla, will be sold and not return to the club.

It points to a potentially extremely busy summer of transfer activity for United with Ten Hag urging the club to also make a series of signings. He is adamant United must sign Mason Mount from Chelsea. A bid of £40 million has been rejected with United set to return with an offer of £50 million for the England international, for whom personal terms will not be an issue.

Chelsea are holding out for £70 million but United are unlikely to go that high for the midfielder who only has one more year left on his contract.

The other main priority for United is a centre-forward with Harry Kane remaining Ten Hag's first-choice. But the club have cooled talk they will be able to sign the England captain who, like Mount, only has one year left on his contract.



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/06/20/manchester-united-transfer-news-fulham-fred-20-million/

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Crystal Palace, Fulham offered chance to sign Aster Vranckx
Crystal Palace and Fulham have been offered a chance to sign the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder Aster Vranckx.

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Crystal Palace and Fulham have an opportunity to sign Aster Vranckx. The 20-year-old's future is uncertain, and he could be heading to the Premier League ahead of next season.

Vranckx showcased great potential while coming up the ranks at KV Mechelen. He managed to attract a lot of attention from across Europe and finally, VfL Wolfsburg managed to acquire his services back in the summer of 2021.

He made a total of 28 appearances for the German club in his very first season and also contributed with two goals. However, the majority of his appearances were off the bench and he couldn't really establish himself as a first-team regular.

Ahead of the 2022/23 season, AC Milan acquired him on a season-long loan with a buy option. But, the 20-year-old midfielder failed to make any impact while playing for the Italian club. He only made a total of ten appearances and was on the pitch for under 350 minutes.

ranckx is all set to return to his parent club but is unlikely to stay there for next season despite having a contract that runs until the summer of 2025. Wolfsburg are all set to sell the 20-year-old midfielder, who is on the lookout for regular first-team action.

Meanwhile, Fulham and Crystal Palace are two potential destinations for the Belgian international. The Cottagers are interested in acquiring his services, and they are looking for a new central midfielder and have their eyes on Vranckx.

Amid a lot of interest in Joao Palhinha's services, and the 27-year-old expected to be on the move, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder could be a potential replacement. However, Fulham will be pushed all the way by the Eagles.

Crystal Palace, who finished 11th in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, are looking to strengthen their team ahead of next season. Roy Hodgson is keen on adding a fresh face into the mix, someone who is versatile in nature and the 20-year-old seems to fit the bill perfectly.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/06/20/crystal-palace-fulham-offered-chance-to-sign-aster-vranckx/

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'That scares me': Journalist worried Chelsea are going to sign his club's £60m player, Spurs keen too

Dean Jones has expressed concern about the idea of Chelsea coming on for Joao Palhinha this summer.

Speaking on the Fulhamish Podcast, Jones stated that while he's not seen Chelsea linked to Palhinha in print anywhere, he has heard from his own sources that the Blues do admire the player.

As a Fulham fan, Jones is worried about the idea of the Whites' £60m player heading across SW6, while he also noted that Tottenham have been mentioned as potential suitors for Palhinha.

Chelsea keen
Jones shared what he knows about the Fulham midfielder.

"The other clubs that we might be talking about if Palhinha does leave Fulham. Liverpool were the first one mentioned, but luckily that doesn't seem to have progressed. Tottenham have been mentioned a few times as a potential one. One that I haven't seen written, but I have heard is that Chelsea do admire him. That cannot happen, that scares me a bit. Chelsea and Arsenal are both going after a certain style of defensive midfielder, why are they not going for the best in the league right now? That's a bit strange," Jones said.

Nightmare
This would be the nightmare scenario for Fulham.

Losing Palhinha this summer would be a disaster in any circumstance, but losing him to Chelsea would be a real kick in the teeth.

Not only are Chelsea Fulham's biggest rivals, they actually finished below the Whites lasts season, you could make a real serious argument that this is a sideways step at this point for the player.

Palhinha is certainly a player who will be spoken about all summer long, and every Fulham fan will be hoping that Chelsea don't come in for the Portuguese star.



https://tbrfootball.com/that-scares-me-journalist-worried-chelsea-are-going-to-sign-his-clubs-60m-player-spurs-keen-too/

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Crystal Palace or Fulham could land £10m ace after AC Milan dumped him

Aster Vranckx is holding out for a move to the Premier League with Crystal Palace and Fulham among the potential destinations for the former AC Milan loanee.

It hardly came as a surprise when it emerged, earlier this month, that the Serie A giants had opted against triggering the £10 million option-to-buy clause in Aster Vranckx's contract.

The VFL Wolfsburg-owned midfielder barely kicked a ball in anger during his forgettable stint in AC Milan's iconic red-and-white shirt after all. Now, he returns to Germany with his tail between his legs and his short-term future uncertain. 

Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri believes that the plan is to cash in on 20-year-old, once-capped Rote Duivel playmaker. A man who – only a few seasons back – was viewed as one of the most exciting young midfielders anywhere in Europe.

Reports linking Liverpool and Manchester City may have dried up, but there should still be plenty of clubs willing to hand Vranckx the chance to scrub the stains of his once-glittering reputation.

Aster Vranckx could be heading to Fulham or Crystal Palace
"Aster Vranckx should be sold by Wolfsburg this summer," Tavolieri writes on Twitter. "The preferred solution is the Premier League, where is file was presented in particular to Fulham and Crystal Palace."

Tenacious and technically-gifted in equal measure; Vranckx could slot in nicely alongside Harrison Reed and Joao Palhinha in an industrious Fulham midfield. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have made it their mission to make Selhurst Park home to some of the game's rising talents.

Vranckx would help Palace move on from James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic. Thus, nailing down a box-to-box role alongside the more deep-lying Cheick Doucoure.

"(Vranckx possesses) mentality, commitment, and certainly football skills," former KV Mechelen team-mate Igor de Camargo said of Vranckx during his formative years in the Belgian Jupiler League back in 2020.

"He has it all to play in the Premier League or the Bundesliga. Physically, he is almost ready."

Both Everton and Nottingham Forest were keen last summer. Time will tell whether either club plans to renew their intrest.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/06/20/crystal-palace-or-fulham-could-land-10m-ace-after-ac-milan-dumped-him/

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Report: PL club will demand £50m this summer for their 'phenomenal' midfielder linked with Chelsea

Fulham will demand £50million this summer to sell their midfield star Joao Palhinha, who's been linked recently as a Chelsea target.

That is according to The Guardian.

The Guardian explained yesterday that Premier League side Fulham are going to put a £50million asking price on Joao Palhinha, who joined them for £20million last year.

It is understood that the midfielder is a 'key target' for West Ham this summer, but he's very highly rated at Craven Cottage after a fantastic debut season in England last year.

We've heard recent speculation to suggest that Palhinha is in Chelsea's sights.

Well-respected journalist Simon Phillips reported on his Substack earlier this month that Palhinha is "a real option" for Chelsea in this summer transfer window.

But we're definitely put off by a potential £50million valuation from Fulham!

There's no doubting that Palhinha is a quality operator and performed as one of the Premier League's best defensive midfielders last season.

However, the 27-year-old Portuguese star feels like quite a significant gamble at £50million.

Described as "phenomenal" by Danny Murphy, Palhinha has amazing individual statistics from last year and can boss proceedings in the centre of the park with his physicality.

We would much rather Chelsea bring in a more mobile midfielder such as Brighton's Moises Caicedo to improve their engine room.

It's going to be interesting to see how the Blues line up next season in the centre of the park under Mauricio Pochettino.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/transfer-news/report-pl-club-will-demand-50m-this-summer-for-their-phenomenal-midfielder-linked-with-chelsea/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Julio Igor can be the next Tim Ream
The Fiorentina defender can follow in the footsteps of the American centre-back...

Fulham are interested in signing Fiorentina centre-back Julio Igor this summer, according to Viola News...

Fulham transfer news - Are the Cottagers signing Julio Igor?
Recently, Italian reporter Rudy Galetti revealed that Fulham were ready to open talks for Igor, who would cost in the region of €15m (£13m) this summer, according to Viola News.

The defender's agent is looking for a new club for his client this summer telling the same outlet: "I spoke with Fiorentina about Igor's future and the will is to leave in the summer. Even the purple club agrees. So far we have not yet received any official offer, but we are looking around."

After such a successful first season back in the Premier League, it looks as though Fulham are keen to improve even further and maintain their spot in the top half of England's top flight.

What role would Julio Igor play at Fulham?
Breaking into the current Fulham side would not be easy for Igor, who would likely have to work his way into Marco Silva's plans throughout the season.

One player that Igor should look to for inspiration if he does make the move is Tim Ream, however, with FBref marking the Fiorentina man as a comparable player to the Cottagers titan.

The American has gradually become one of the most important players at Craven Cottage, making 33 appearances in the Premier League last season.

Igor meanwhile, enjoyed a mixed season at Fiorentina, making 42 appearances in all competitions and suffering the heartbreak of defeat in the final of the Europa Conference League against West Ham United in what could be his final appearance for La Viola.

Statistically speaking, Ream and the Brazilian share some clear similarities that Silva will be keen to draw on when outlining the reasons for the defender's potential arrival.

According to FBref, Ream only completed 0.7 more passes per-90 than Igor last season. Meanwhile, the Fiorentina defender maintained a better pass completion rate than the veteran.

Such is the need to progress from the back under Silva at the London club in certain games, possession the skill to play in such a way is crucial for every defender at the club.

Igor is also more aggressive off the ball than Ream, perhaps partly to do with the former being younger than the 34-year-old Fulham man.

Also per FBref, the 25-year-old colossus made more tackles and blocks per 90 when compared to Ream, yet was also more rash than his experienced fellow defender, making 0.9 errors leading to shots, compared to Reams's 0.6 per 90.

Taking to Twitter to praise Igor, journalist Alvaro Canibe said:

"This couple is crazy. The security and reliability that Milenkovic and Igor bring to Fiorentina is incredible. The level they are at has a lot of merit."

With Ream not getting any younger, now could be the time for Silva to welcome his replacement.

Such decisions can make or break a side's season, and letting a player of Igor's potential learn from Ream's experience could be the key to ensuring yet another impressive campaign in the Premier League.

The Brazilian has the ability to make the step to England's top flight, that's for sure, given the evidence above.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-transfer-rumours-julio-igor-tim-ream/

[WhiteJC]

'Wouldn't expect it to happen': Journalist would be shocked if West Ham sign £60m player now

Dean Jones is not expecting West Ham to sign Joao Palhinha this summer.

Speaking on the Fulhamish Podcast, the reporter was discussing Palhinha's future at Craven Cottage, and he noted that the west London club want £60m for their star player.

Of course, £60m is massive money for a club like West Ham, nad given that they have never paid that sort of fee for a player before, Jones isn't expecting this deal to get done.

Palhinha not expected to join
The journalist shared what he knows about Palhinha.

"Palhinha, you're talking towards £60m for him in this market. I think their record signing is Seb Haller, they have gone big in recent years with Paqueta and Haller, nothing over £50m though. So are West Ham going to make Palhinha their record signing of all-time? Typically I wouldn't expect it to happen, obviously they have the Declan Rice money coming at some point, so they will sign two midfielders, there's no personal connection for him to move to West Ham," Jones said.

Don't be so sure
Jones says that he can't see West Ham spending £60m of Palhinha because they've never spent that sort of money before, but this isn't a regular summer for West Ham.

Indeed, the Hammers are about to receive a potential £100m windfall for Declan Rice, and that means that their transfer budget will be boosted massively.

Let's not forget, West Ham are also set for a financial boost after qualifying for the Europa League too, so the idea of the Hammers smashing their transfer record this summer really isn't out of the question.

Palhinha is certainly a player who is worth the £60m fee, so don't be shocked if the east Londoners do try to pinch the midfielder from their distant neighbours.



https://tbrfootball.com/wouldnt-expect-it-to-happen-journalist-would-be-shocked-if-west-ham-sign-60m-player-now/

[WhiteJC]

Silva 'won't be rushed' into signing new deal
Marco Silva 'won't be rushed' into signing a new contract with Fulham, according to a report from the Sun this afternoon.

The Portuguese head coach, who took the Whites to tenth in the Premier League last term after winning the Championship in his first season at Craven Cottage, has twelve months left on the deal he signed after succeeding Scott Parker. Silva is happy at Fulham but wants the club's recruitment to match his ambitions this summer.

Potential suitors for the 45 year-old may be dissuaded by the fact that they would have to activate a £6m release clause to secure Silva's services and Fulham remain confident that their head coach will commit his long-term future to the club.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/06/silva-wont-be-rushed-into-signing-new-deal/

[WhiteJC]

De Fougerolles Wins Scholar Of The Year Award

The Club is pleased to announce that, following an incredible season on and off the pitch, Luc De Fougerolles has won the Scholar of the Year Award.

The 17-year-old right-back impressed consistently for our Under-18s and earned himself a handful of Under-21s appearances towards the end of the season.

Luc's character has been at the centre of his success. With drive, tenaciousness, modesty and intellect, Luc is a not only successful on the pitch, but he fully embodies our Academy ethos. On top of his footballing success, Luc is completing his BTEC Sporting Excellence and Performance and two A-Levels in Psychology and Business. His commitment to further developing himself off the pitch doesn't just stop at education. His input into every workshop or conversation with the staff is committed, purposeful and reflective.

Luc has also worked alongside other scholars to develop a social action project. He is a true ambassador for the Academy and role model for our younger players.

Head Coach Steve Wigley added: "Luc had a fantastic season, which saw him progress from being a vital part in the Under-18s side before carrying the same influence in the Under-21s."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/june/20/De-Fougerolles-Wins-Scholar-Of-The-Year-Award/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham fancy Fred
Fulham have been given a boost in their pursuit of Brazilian international Fred after Manchester United put the midfielder on the transfer list.

The Daily Telegraph reports this evening that United are eager to cash in on Fulham's interest in the 30 year-old, who is about to enter the final year of his contract at Old Trafford. Jason Burt reveals that the Red Devils are looking for around £20m. Fred has made 213 appearances, scoring fourteen goals, over five seasons since he moved to Manchester from Shakhtar Donetsk for around £47m.

Silva was spotted having a conversation with the former Internacional midfielder following Fulham's defeat at Old Trafford on the final day of the season, when the Brazilian – who has won 32 senior caps for his country – set up the winner for Bruno Fernandes.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/06/fulham-fancy-fred/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva in two minds at Fulham after David Moyes sack decision at West Ham United

Marco Silva, a reported managerial target for West Ham, has yet to decide if he will commit his long-term future to Fulham, according to The Sun.

The Portuguese boss has won plenty of admirers after steering the Cottagers to a top-10 finish in their first season back in the Premier League.

The Hammers are among those said to be monitoring the situation of the former Everton boss, who reportedly has a £6million release clause, and consider him a long-term replacement for David Moyes.

West Ham may now have further encouragement after The Sun's Jordan Davies wrote on Tuesday (20 June) that Silva, though happy at Fulham, has yet to decide whether to extend his stay beyond 2024 when his contract runs out.

Silva is thought to be looking for assurances improvements will be made to the playing squad, and wants concerns alleviated over the club's ability to keep hold of their best players – including Palhinha, a top transfer target for the Hammers this summer.

Silva has gone about rebuilding his reputation at Fulham after a hugely disappointing spell at Everton.

His Fulham side play an attractive brand of attacking football and it is little surprise Silva is now appearing on a list of targets for rival clubs.

The Portuguese will have legitimate questions to ask of his present employers about their ambitions moving forward and their ability to improve on a top-10 finish.

It seems a stretch to think West Ham will move on from David Moyes after the Scot led his side to Europa Conference League glory earlier this month thanks to a last-gasp 2-1 win over Fiorentina in Prague.

But West Ham did largely underwhelm in the top flight this term and Moyes might not be at the London Stadium for the long term, although a decision has been made for him to stay on for next season at this point [ESPN].

And there would be few better fits for the Hammers to replace Moyes in the dugout than Silva when the time is right.



https://www.westhamzone.com/news/marco-silva-in-two-minds-at-fulham-after-david-moyes-sack-decision-at-west-ham-united/