Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 18/07/23...

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Liverpool want to sign 'phenomenal' player as West Ham open talks
Liverpool are back in for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha but West Ham United are now in talks over a £40million deal.

Joao Palhinha has become a top target for West Ham United amid rumoured interest from Liverpool.

That is according to TalkSPORT, who claim that West Ham are in talks with Fulham over a deal for Palhinha.

It's suggested that West Ham are hopeful of securing Palhinha's signature for around £40million this summer.

That's double the £20million Fulham paid to lure Palhinha away from Sporting in his native Portugal last summer.

Yet it still may not be enough to tempt Fulham into selling their prized midfielder.

The Daily Mail reported in June that Fulham had slapped a staggering £90million price tag on Palhinha.

It's hard to see West Ham going to that kind of figure for Palhinha, even after selling Declan Rice to Arsenal.

Joao Palhinha can replace Declan Rice's defensive output
West Ham may need to bring in two midfielders to replace Rice; that's just how well-rounded he has become.

One midfielder may be added for the defensive side of the game with another coming in as a box-to-box, ball-carrying midfielder.

From a defensive perspective, there may not be many better out there than Palhinha.

The 28-year-old racked up a ridiculous 147 tackles last season – 47 more than second-placed Moises Caicedo.

Rice registered 79, with Palhinha just dominating the competition in that statistic.

Rice was top of the charts for interceptions with 63 whilst Palhinha ranked 18th in the Premier League with 46 interceptions.

West Ham's thinking is clear, believing that a pure holding midfielder like Palhinha can free up others to get forward.

£40million would be great business but £90million is surely a price West Ham won't go anywhere near.

West Ham must be wary of Liverpool
West Ham's alleged talks to sign Palhinha come just as rumours over a move to Liverpool have emerged again.

Liverpool are set to lose their star holding midfielder Fabinho with Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad closing in.

The Liverpool Echo reported over the weekend that Palhinha is back on the table as a Liverpool target in light of Fabinho's exit.

Again, Palhinha's defensive mastery would be welcomed at Liverpool, especially after signing two more attack-minded stars in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Palhinha – hailed as 'absolutely phenomenal' by pundit Danny Murphy – would provide the solid base, freeing up Liverpool's two new midfielders to go forward and create.

This could end up being a Liverpool v West Ham transfer battle and that may be very difficult for David Moyes to win.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/07/17/liverpool-want-to-sign-phenomenal-player-as-west-ham-open-talks/

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Report: West Ham now in talks to sign £40m Declan Rice replacement, Liverpool are also interested
West Ham are reportedly in talks to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha to replace Declan Rice, with Liverpool also interested in the Portuguese international.

According to TalkSport, the Irons have begun discussions with their London rivals over signing Palhinha, with West Ham hopeful that £40m will be enough to prise the former Sporting Lisbon superstar away from Craven Cottage this summer.

West Ham are far from alone in their interest in Palhinha, though, with the Liverpool Echo reporting this weekend that Liverpool are also keeping tabs on the Fulham superstar, with a price tag of £90m being quoted this time around for the midfield dynamo.

Indeed, with Rice leaving West Ham for a British record fee of £105m, the Hammers could be expected to pay a huge fee for any player they target to replace the England international. And for Liverpool, David Moyes' side could struggle big time to lure Palhinha to the London Stadium.

West Ham might have bitten off more than they can chew with Palhinha
Palhinha was one of the revelations of the Premier League last season. And with West Ham now thinking they can somehow sign the midfielder for just £40m, the east London side might be in for a shock when it comes to actually submitting a bid for the Liverpool target.

As we know, West Ham now have money to spend after Rice's departure to Arsenal. And for Liverpool, watching the Irons stumble in their bid to sign Palhinha could help Jurgen Klopp greatly in his own pursuit to bring the Portuguese international to Anfield this summer as their own defensive midfield replacement for Fabinho.



https://www.rousingthekop.com/2023/07/17/west-ham-in-talks-to-sign-40m-liverpool-linked-declan-rice-replacement/

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Chelsea reject first Fulham bid for Callum Hudson-Odoi — report
Opening moves

Callum Hudson-Odoi has been training away from the first-team group since the start of pre-season, as part of the "bomb squad" of unwanted or unneeded players in the shop window (alongside the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang), and it sounds like he has managed to generate some interest in the process.

Unfortunately, the first offer to arrive as a results of that interest was found to be unsatisfactory, with Chelsea rejecting Fulham's transfer bid of unknown value. That's according to The Athletic and Sky Sports, who add that Fulham are now "deciding" whether to come back with an improved offer. Presumably they will do so in the near future, having made zero signings for the first-team so far this summer.

Hudson-Odoi spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, finding very little success or redemption. He has one year left on his contract, and there doesn't seem to be much chance of him staying.



https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-news/2023/7/17/23797230/chelsea-reject-first-fulham-bid-for-callum-hudson-odoi-report

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Fulham Rumour Round-Up: Iwobi, Andre, Adams

Should he? Could he? Will he? Won't he? Nobody has a single scooby what the coming days will bring but until the day of reckoning arrives, Cam's got you up-to-date with the rumours you may have missed.

It's safe to say that we're more consumed by revelations concerning Aleksandar Mitrovic et al rather than potential additions but the show must go on! Even at a despondent, plodding pace.

We and West Ham are the only Premier League sides that haven't announced a summer signing and as much as we tell ourselves this is completely normal, it's far from welcome and with less than a month to go until the season kicks off, we have to get our arses in gear.

This article isn't laden with showstoppers or A-listers but it's a distraction so enjoy it while you can, I guess.

Gustavo Hamer – Coventry City
Disclosed by the Daily Mail, Fulham are apparently watching Coventry City's Gustavo Hamer closely and could open negotiations for the Dutch central midfielder imminently. Hamer, 26, was widely associated with a potential switch to SW6 last summer and now he only has a year remaining on his Sky Blues contract, the 2022/23 Championship Play-Off finalists could be swayed to sell one of their prized assets.

A roaming provider of opportunity, Hamer netted 11 goals in 44 games for Coventry last season and he's been a trusted member of Mark Robins's squad since 2020, when he swapped PEC Zwolle for the West Midlands. Hamer would definitely add depth to Silva's weekly selection but as he hasn't sampled top-flight football, at least in England, I'm not quite sure he's a priority of ours because firstly, we have to acquire ready-made reinforcements that will make the difference in a starting XI week in, week out.

Cristian Medina – Boca Juniors
It may not originate from the most solid of sources but David Ferris, a journalist based in Valencia, Spain, revealed via Twitter that both Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers are tailing Boca Juniors' 21-year-old midfielder Cristian Medina. Brazilian outfit Santos are also thought to be in the running.

Capable of occupying a box-to-box role, as well as out wide on the right, Medina's a stable performer for the Argentinian giants and he also represented Argentina's U17s, too. With a goal and an assist in 20 outings for the Xeneizes this season, Medina's yield isn't necessarily ground-breaking but he never backs down when the going gets tough and a move to Europe, particularly to the Premier League, could provide the boost his burgeoning career requires.

Alex Iwobi – Everton
As reported by Football Transfers, Fulham are supposedly willing to hand Alex Iwobi a fresh start in the capital if the Nigeria international bids farewell to Everton in the weeks to come. The former Arsenal winger is entering his final year on the blue half of Merseyside and as Everton are seemingly courting replacements elsewhere, there could be legs to this link specifically.

A winger by trade, Iwobi gradually integrated into a central attacking capacity for the Toffees and in a relegation-threatened campaign, the 27-year-old's efforts were crucial for Everton, as he bagged 2 and created 9 in all competitions. Inter Milan have also been cited as a potential suitor for the 27-year-old but a move back to familiar territory could be a sweetener.

Andre Trindade – Fluminense
Those at 90min understand that Fulham will go head-to-head with some of Europe's biggest clubs for Fluminense's Andre Trindade. The 21-year-old Brazil international was on the Whites' wish list during the January transfer period but a deal could not be finalised in time. Evidently, our admiration of the £25m-rated midfielder hasn't cooled but if we're to land him, we'll have to swat off some stately competition.

FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are also thought to be in hot pursuit of Andre but it's Fulham that are confident of wrapping things up before their rivals, and as a fair majority of our dressing room's Portuguese-speaking, he'll surely feel right at home if he was to jet off to virtually the other side of the planet.

Che Adams – Southampton
Subject to an article published by Daily Mail, Crystal Palace and Fulham have allegedly enquired about Southampton striker Che Adams, who joined the Saints in 2019 from Birmingham City for £15m. Adams, 27, recorded 10 goals alongside 3 assists as the seasiders were relegated to the Championship last season and while I'm not discounting him entirely, I'm not invested in the slightest.

As a secondary striker, the Scotland international would work well rotationally and if we do lose Mitrovic to Saudi riches, we have to be far more ambitious in identifying his successor. He knows the Premier League, that's an obvious bonus, but he is nowhere near Mitro's level and he shouldn't be treated as such.

Paddy McNair – Middlesbrough
It's believed that Middlesbrough's Paddy McNair (via TEAMtalk) is being eyed by Leeds United, Sheffield United, Leicester City, AFC Bournemouth and Fulham. Boro will apparently listen to offers for the 28-year-old this summer following their failed attempt to break out of the Championship and while he's a Northern Ireland international and a highly experienced defensive mind, he just doesn't fit the bill.

A Manchester United youth graduate, McNair cut his teeth in an elite environment but for the last six seasons, he's floated around the North East for both Sunderland and Middlesbrough and if we're being honest, Sky Bet football is his ideal standard and it should really remain that way. Don't you dare even think about it, Tony.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-07-17-fulham-rumour-round-up-iwobi-andre-adams/

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Willian is set to re-sign for Fulham after his contract expired - with the Brazilian winger, 34, poised to snub interest from Nottingham Forest to remain at Craven Cottage

    Willian is poised for a Fulham return, which negotiations close to being finalised
    The Brazilian wideman, 34, impressed for Marco Silva's Cottagers last season
    Willian has snubbed interest from Nottingham Forest and Saudi Arabia to sign

Willian is set to re-sign for Fulham after a breakthrough in talks over the weekend.

The former Chelsea forward was a key player for Marco Silva's side last season but there has been uncertainty over his future after his deal expired at the end of the June.

There has been interest from elsewhere, with Nottingham Forest among the teams keen to sign the 33-year-old.

But talks over a return to Craven Cottage - which was always an attractive option for him - are at an advanced stage, with the ex-Arsenal star ready to sign for Fulham once again.

Fulham were keen to offer Willian an initial 12-month deal with the option for a further year - but the contract details are unconfirmed.


Willian (pictured, left) is set to re-sign for Fulham after his contract expired at Craven Cottage
 

The Brazilian winger, 34, scored five goals and recorded five assists across the 2022-23 season
 

It is a boost for Cottagers boss Marco Silva, for whom Willian was a key man last campaign

Talks over finalising the deal will continue on Monday but the move is close to be concluded.

The 70-cap Brazil international spent seven seasons at Chelsea from 2013-2020.

He scored 63 goals in 339 appearances in all competitions across his Stamford Bridge spell.

But an unsuccessful season at Arsenal saw him leave the Gunners by mutual consent to join boyhood club Corinthians in Brazil.

When he departed after receiving online threats, he joined Marco Silva's Cottagers on a one-year deal in September.

In January, his goal helped Fulham secure a 2-1 win against his former side - and Fulham's West London rivals - Chelsea.

Willian finished the season with five goals and five assists in 30 appearances in all competitions.

Those totals marked him as the second-top scorer (behind Aleksandar Mitrovic) and second-top assister (behind Andreas Pereira) at the club last campaign.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12306263/Willian-set-join-Fulham-contract-expired-snubs-Nottingham-Forest-interest.html

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Willian poised for Fulham return
Willian is set to put pen to paper on a new contract with Fulham after snubbing a big-money offer to join Nottingham Forest, according to the Daily Mail.

The Brazilian veteran's Craven Cottage future has been in doubt since he rejected a new deal last month but after head coach Marco Silva made clear that he wanted the winger in his squad, the Whites offered improved terms. The Mail reports that the decisive breakthrough in talks with the London club came this weekend with 34 year-old delighted to remain in London, where his family were settled, after a fantastic first season back in the Premier League.

The former Chelsea and Arsenal veteran scored five goals and added six assists in thirty appearances for Fulham after cancelling his Corinthians contract to return to England in September. He became a crucial part of Silva's side, who finished tenth on their return to the top flight and reached the FA Cup quarter finals, and Willian's decision to extend his stay in SW6 will be a significant boost for the Whites after a summer of serious uncertainty.

Final formalities over the precise nature of Willian's new contract after due to be confirmed today.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/willian-poised-for-fulham-return/

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Premier League club in talks over signing Chelsea misfit to follow another smart deal

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is reportedly a target for Fulham, who remain in talks over bringing him to Craven Cottage in this summer's transfer window.

Fulham have just agreed a deal to sign veteran Brazilian winger Willian again for another year, and it now seems they want to further strengthen their attack with Hudson-Odoi, according to the Evening Standard.

Chelsea have already sold a long list of players this summer, with big names like Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic joining Premier League rivals, while the likes of N'Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy have also moved on to clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Some CFC fans will undoubtedly be disappointed to see how things have worked out for Hudson-Odoi, whose form has really gone downhill in recent times.

The 22-year-old looked like a bright prospect when he first broke into the first-team, but he's not really developed as hoped and had an underwhelming spell on loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season.

Fulham could be a good option for him now to get more first-team football and revive his Premier League career.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/07/17/chelsea-transfer-news-callum-hudson-odoi-fulham-talks/

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Fulham deal for Willian has not killed Hudson-Odoi transfer which could make big progress this week
Fulham are set to re sign former Chelsea winger Willian for this season, according to a story from Nizaar Kinsella today in the Evening Standard. The 34 year old will stay in London despite serious interest from other Premier League teams.

It seems like this might shut down the rumours of a potential Callum Hudson-Odoi move across West London, but Kinsella's piece make it clear that this is still very much on the cards. Their first offer was rejected, but it doesn't sound like valuations are too far apart.

Fulham are really short on wingers now – Manor Solomon has gone to Spurs instead of making his move to Craven Cottage permanent, while Dan James is not sticking around after his loan. That should create more than enough room for the arrival of Hudson-Odoi, even with Willian staying put.

We expect a second offer this week, and things could be wrapped up quite efficiently.



https://www.chelsea-news.co/2023/07/fulham-deal-for-willian-has-not-killed-hudson-odoi-transfer-which-could-make-big-progress-this-week/

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'Intermediaries are at work' – Brighton closing in on '€20m' Fulham transfer target and Levi Colwill alternative
Brighton & Hove Albion are in negotiations to sign Fiorentina defender Igor, according to multiple sources.

The Brazilian centre-back has made 110 appearances in all competitions for I Viola since signing from fellow Italian club SPAL in 2021.

The 25-year-old initially joined Fiorentina on a two-year loan with an obligation to buy in January 2020.

Igor was a mainstay at the back for I Viola last season. He appeared 42 times as Vincenzo Italiano's side finished eighth in Serie A and runners-up in both the UEFA Europa Conference League and Coppa Italia.

His assured performances in defence have caught the eye of the Seagulls, who are in the market for a new centre-half.

Italian journalist Enzo Bucchioni said Albion are reportedly in 'open negotiations' with Fiorentina for Igor.

Bucchioni claims I Viola want €20m for the Brazilian. The Italians have reportedly dismissed a bid from Fulham after the Cottagers failed to meet Fiorentina's valuation of the defender.

Speaking to Radio Bruno, as relayed by Fiorentina News, Bucchioni said "Brighton are on Igor, we are in open negotiations, the intermediaries are at work.

"Fiorentina want €20m and Fulham's offer was too low."

Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Albion are looking at Igor as an alternative for long-term transfer target Levi Colwill.

The Italian said the England under-21 international and Chelsea defender is 'still not for sale'.

Igor has reportedly 'accepted Brighton' and agreed personal terms but the Seagulls have yet to make an official approach for the Brazilian, according to Romano.

He tweeted: "Igor, on Brighton list as new left footed centre back as Colwill is still not for sale — now waiting for Brighton to approach Fiorentina soon.

"Igor has already accepted Brighton and personal terms have been agreed. But there are still steps needed between clubs."



https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/intermediaries-are-at-work-brighton-closing-in-on-eu20m-fulham-transfer-target-and-levi-colwill-alternative-4221040

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Brighton beat Fulham to £20m-rated Fiorentina defender Igor

Brighton are set to beat Fulham to the signing of Fiorentina defender Igor.

The 25-year-old is close to agreeing personal terms with the Seagulls before direct talks take place between the two clubs over a fee.

Fulham received encouragement when pursuing the Brazilian centre-back but saw a £7million bid rejected last week.

Brighton have since swooped in for the defender who Fiorentina value at around £20m. They are now the favoured option given their Europa League status.

Fulham have an alternative target in Benfica's Morato but saw an opening £8.6m bid last week rejected.

The Portuguese giants are reluctant to sell Morato unless they receive a substantially higher offer.

Marco Silva wants to sign a defender this summer with Tosin Adarabioyo expected to leave, amid interest from Tottenham, Monaco and Rennes.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-brighton-transfer-exclusive-igor-b1094816.html

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Fulham lose Igor race to Brighton
Fulham have lost the race to sign Fiorentina defender Igor to Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion, according to an Evening Standard report this afternoon.

The Whites looked to be in pole position to sign the Brazilian centre half who helped the Serie A side reach the Europa Conference League final having scouted him extensively over the course of last season and initiated contact with both Fiorentina and the player's representatives before the summer. The 25 year-old was intrigued by the prospect of moving to London and playing for Marco Silva, but Fulham failed to match Fiorentina's valuation and had a £7m bid rejected.

The Standard suggests that the Seagulls are close to agreeing personal terms with Igor before finalising the fee for the deal with Fiorentina. Silva has been frustrated in his attempts to make early signings to strengthen his defence with an £8.6m offer for Benfica centre back Morato also being rejected. The Portuguese club are determined to hold onto their highly-rated young prospect leaving Fulham short on defensive reinforcements, having lost Shane Duffy and with Tosin Adarabioyo also expected to leave before the start of the season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/fulham-lose-igor-race-to-brighton/

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Milan lead Fulham in race for Valencia's Musah
Milan are ready to increase their offer to Valencia for Yunus Musah, keen to beat out the interested Fulham, reports detail.

A report from Gazzetta dello Sport today suggested that the 20-year-old American midfielder had agreed personal terms with the Rossoneri, willing to sign a multi-year deal worth around €2m net per season.

Milan sold Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United this month and have worked hard to try and fill the gap, picking up Ruben Loftus-Cheek and soon Tijjani Reijnders.

As reported by Daniele Longo and Fabrizio Romano, Milan are looking to accelerate for Musah in the coming days, wanting to snap him up before other interested parties like Fulham.

The Rossoneri's last offer of €13m plus €4m in add-ons was not accepted, but they're planning to raise to around €19-20m total, increasing the bonuses.

The club are seemingly confident that a deal for the 20-year-old American midfielder can be completed soon, adding another reinforcement to Stefano Pioli's squad.



https://football-italia.net/milan-lead-fulham-in-race-for-valencias-musah/

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Fulham reject West Ham's Palhinha bid
Fulham have rejected an offer from West Ham United for midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to various reports this afternoon.

The Hammers have been keen to sign the Portuguese international as a replacement for England midfielder Declan Rice, who finally joined Arsenal in a £105m deal over the weekend. The Hammers were impressed by Palhinha's debut season in England, when he led the Premier League in tackling, completing 147 challenges as the Whites finished tenth on their return to the top flight.

West Ham finally made a formal offer for the 28 year-old – believed to be worth around £40m – but it was immediately rejected by Fulham. The Cottagers are not considering selling the former Sporting Lisbon schemer, who has another four years to run on his Craven Cottage contract and is delighted to be working with Silva after the Portuguese boss oversaw his emergence from Sporting's academy earlier in his career.

The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg, in a change from his earlier reporting, has written this afternoon that the Hammers 'are not optimistic about their chances of landing the Portugal international' and suggests that the Whites would hold out for at least £80m for one of Silva's key players.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/fulham-reject-west-hams-palhinha-bid/

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'Intention is to leave' – Brighton's £40m transfer twist as Fulham target confirmed
Brighton and Hove Albion remain keen to bolster their defence in this summer's transfer window.

Levi Colwill is still Albion's No 1 defensive transfer target but talks with Chelsea for the 21-year-old are thought to be complex. Colwill was excellent during his season loan with the Seagulls last term and the club are keen to make the move permanent as Roberto De Zerbi's men prepare for Premier League and Europa League football this campaign.

There is however a major spanner in the works as new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is thought to be a huge fan of the left-sided defender and wants to keep him as part of the rebuild at Stamford Bridge.

Brighton reportedly offered £40m for Colwill earlier this window which was rejected by the Blues. It's proving to be a complex summer between the two clubs as they also remain in discussions for Albion ace Moises Caicedio. Chelsea are said to have bid £75m plus add-ons but Brighton are holding out for £100m for their Ecuadorian midfielder.

If Brighton fail to reach an agreement for Colwill they do have a very sound back-up plan in Fiorentina's Igor. The Brazilian is keen to leave the Italians this window and the 25-year-old – whose contract expires next summer – could prove a cheaper alternative to Colwill.

Brighton do however face competition for his signature as he remains of interest to Marco Silva and Fulham. The player's agent, Marcelo Mascagni, insisted last month that his man – who made 42 appearances for Fiorentina last season – wants to move this summer.

"I spoke to Fiorentina about Igor's future and the intention is to leave in the summer," Mascagni said to ViolaNews. "The Viola club is also in agreement. We haven't received any official offers yet, but we're looking around."



https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/intention-is-to-leave-brightons-ps40m-transfer-twist-as-fulham-target-confirmed-4221513

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Exclusive: Fulham stance revealed with Exeter City among clubs chasing striker
FLW understands that Fulham would prefer to loan Jay Stansfield to the Championship

Fulham are keen for striker Jay Stansfield to head to the Championship this summer if he does go out on loan amid growing interest, sources have exclusively informed Football League World.

League One side Exeter City are keen to re-sign the 20-year-old, whose move away from Craven Cottage could be delayed by the uncertainty surrouding Aleksandar Mitrovic's West London future.

Stansfield - a former Exeter academy player and son of Grecians striker Adam Stansfield, who died of cancer at the age of just 31 - made an emotional return to the club last season.

The Fulham loanee was given the number nine shirt, which had been retired after his father's death in 2010, and certainly impressed on his return to St James Park.

Stansfield finished with nine goals and eight assists in 39 appearances, including a hat-trick in his final League One game against Morecambe, which helped his side to a respectable 14th-place finish in the first season after their promotion from League Two.

Jay Stansfield latest
The striker returned to Fulham at the end of last season but it seems he could head back to the EFL on loan this summer.

Sources have exclusively informed FLW that there have been enquiries from multiple clubs, including Exeter, about a loan deal for Stansfield.

FLW understands that Fulham would prefer him to head to the Championship if he leaves Craven Cottage in the summer transfer window.

However, any move away from West London could face delays due to the uncertainty surrounding Mitrovic's future.

Fulham have reportedly rejected a £25.5 million offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal for the Serbian striker and have made it clear he is not for sale but the player said to be keen to leave the Premier League.

What is Jay Stansfield's contract situation at Fulham?
Stansfield signed a new two-and-a-half year contract at Fulham in January 2022, which is due to keep him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2024.

A one-year club option was included in that deal, which offers the West Londoners more security over his future.

Gary Caldwell on fresh Fulham deal
Exeter boss Gary Caldwell made it clear in May that he would try to bring the 20-year-old back on loan for the 2023/24 campaign.

He told Devon Live: "We are trying.

"He is a fantastic character, trains the right way, works extremely hard and he has the potential to be brilliant. It has been a pleasure working with him this year and if the opportunity comes again we would love to work with him again.

"I went to Fulham three days after the last game of the season and said I was missing him and went to see him. I spoke to Fulham about it but I think it will be difficult and the hat-trick killed us.

"I did think about taking off after the second goal to stop that, but everyone knew what was coming, and so I couldn't deny him that. If he doesn't come back then he has that to remember for the rest of his life and he will always be welcome back. But we will try very hard to get him back."



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/brighton-in-talks-to-sign-leicester-city-target/

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West Ham told they will have to pay £60m if they want to sign Fulham star Joao Palhinha with midfielder top target to replace Declan Rice

    David Moyes is a confirmed admirer of the Portuguese midfielder
    Fulham are only willing to sell if they receive double their club record sale
    The Cottagers know that they have a big talent on their books

West Ham want to sign Fulham favourite Joao Palhinha as a replacement for Declan Rice but they will have to spend big in order to do so.

Hammers manager David Moyes is a confirmed admirer of the Portuguese midfielder.

West Ham would love to give their fans a weekly shot of what Palhinha can bring but have found out that Fulham want around £60million.

That is a big mark-up for a 28-year-old that cost them £20m but Fulham know they have a big talent on their books.

As a consequence, West Ham, who are losing head of recruitment analysis Jordan Miles to Aberdeen, are running through other names on their lengthy list.


West Ham want to sign Fulham favourite Joao Palhinha as a replacement for Declan Rice
 

The Hammers have been told they will have to pay in the region of £60m to sign the player

A verbal offer has been made for Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, while talks have taken place over Denis Zakaria of Juventus, Edson Alvarez at Ajax, Leeds United's Tyler Adams and Scott McTominay is another still in the mix.

Fulham are striving to keep a number of their key players as well as manager Marco Silva.

Willian has been tempted back by an improved contract offer, despite travelling for a medical with Nottingham Forest last week, and is expected to re-sign on Monday but Aleksandar Mitrovic wants to take up an offer to join Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia despite two bids being rejected. Fulham are also trying again for Callum Hudson-Odoi after an opening offer was knocked back.

West Ham striker Mipo Odubeko is in Portugal ahead of signing for Maritimo on a two year deal. The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland U21 international joined the Hammers from Manchester United's academy but has struggled to make an impact on the first team and has had loan spells at Port Vale and Doncaster Rovers.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12307113/West-Ham-told-pay-60m-want-sign-Fulham-star-Joao-Palhinha-midfielder-target-replace-Declan-ice.html

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West Ham likely to move on from Palhinha
Fulham's strong stance over Joao Palhinha appears to have dissuaded West Ham from following up their initial offer for Joao Palhinha, according to a report from the Athletic this afternoon.

The Whites swiftly rejected the Hammers' bid for their Portuguese midfielder, believed to be worth around £45m. The Athletic's West Ham correspondent Roshane Thomas revealed in his reporting with Peter Rutzler that the Hammers are likely to explore other alternatives to replace Declan Rice in their midfield after being told that the 28 year-old, who enjoyed an excellent first season in the Premier League last year, is not for sale. The Hammers are not confident of signing a man who featured highly on David Moyes' summer shortlist and a second bid is unlikely.

Palhinha, who led the top flight in terms of tackles and scored four goals in forty appearances as Fulham finished tenth as well as reaching the last eight in the FA Cup, has four years to run on his current contract – with the Whites holding an option to extend his stay in SW6 by a further twelve months. The former Sporting Lisbon midfielder is happy at Craven Cottage, where he is working under his former Sporting head coach Marco Silva, and wants to remain with the club.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/west-ham-likely-to-move-on-from-palhinha/

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West Ham Not Optimistic About Landing Midfield Target

West Ham United are not optimistic about their pursuit of Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha being a success this summer, according to the Guardian.

Following Declan Rice's exit, the Hammers are making moves in the market to strengthen David Moyes' squad this summer.

The West Ham boss wants to bring in two midfielders to replace the former captain and Palhinha has been one of his top targets.

However, Fulham have wasted little time in rejecting an opening offer from the Hammers for the Portugal international.

And it has been claimed that West Ham are pessimistic about their chances of signing the 28-year-old midfielder this summer.

Fulham are ready to dig in their heels and demand a big fee before agreeing to let the impressive defensive midfielder leave.

It has been claimed that the Cottagers want a fee of £80m for Palhinha and West Ham are unlikely to offer such a figure.

Unless Fulham decide to lower their demands, West Ham are not expecting to succeed in trying to sign the Portugal midfielder.



https://insidefutbol.com/2023/07/17/west-ham-not-optimistic-about-landing-midfield-target/611183/

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Mullins holds Fulham U21 head coach talks
Hayden Mullins is in talks with Fulham about succeeding Steve Wigley as the Whites' under-21 head coach, The Athletic's Peter Rutzler is reporting tonight.

The former Crystal Palace, West Ham and Portsmouth midfielder has managerial experience having spent ten months in charge of Colchester United and coached the Turks and Caicos Islands national side earlier this year. The 44 year-old, who was an FA Cup runner-up in his time with Pompey, began his coaching career in the academy set-up at Brentford and Reading before coaching with Watford for four years. He twice took caretaker charge of the Hornets' first-team after the Pozzo family dispensed with the services of Quique Sanchez Flores in 2019 and Nigel Pearson the following year.

Mullins is considered an excellent youth development coach and is a leading candidate to take over the full-time under-21 position at Motspur Park from Wigley, who was appointed Fulham's academy technical director four months ago.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/mullins-holds-fulham-u21-head-coach-talks/

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West Ham United 'see £45m Joao Palhinha offer rejected by Fulham'

 West Ham United have reportedly seen an opening offer of £45m for midfielder Joao Palhinha rejected by Fulham.

The Europa Conference League champions are looking to step up their pursuit of a new centre-midfielder following the departure of club captain Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105m on Saturday.

Palhinha is believed to have been on West Ham's radar for some time this summer, with one report claiming that the 27-year-old is their top target to replace Rice.

Prior to Rice's exit, manager David Moyes acknowledged that the Hammers cannot reinvest in new summer signings until the Englishman's switch to Arsenal was completed.

Now, The Guardian reports that West Ham have made their first move to sign Palhinha and have tabled an opening offer of £45m.

However, the report adds that Fulham have rejected West Ham's bid and are demanding £80m for the Portugal international.

It is claimed that the Hammers are not optimistic about the prospect of luring Palhinha to the London Stadium and they will likely be required to fork out a club-record fee if they are to have any chance of acquiring his signature this summer.

West Ham's current club-record transfer stands at £51m which they spent last summer on Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta from Lyon.

Fulham have no interest in selling Palhinha, who still has four years left on his contract after joining the Cottagers from Sporting Lisbon for £20m last summer.

Palhinha, who has also attracted interest from Barcelona, made a notable impression in his debut season with Fulham in 2022-23, starting 35 Premier League games and making a league-high 147 tackles as Marco Silva's men secured a 10th-placed finish.

Meanwhile, the same report also states that West Ham have has a loan offer for centre-back Harry Maguire rejected by Manchester United.

Moyes is keen to bolster his options in defence and provide competition for Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, Angelo Ogbonna and Thilo Kehrer, but the addition of at least one new midfielder is thought to be a priority for the Scotsman at present.

Along with Palhinha, Moyes is understood to have identified Ajax and Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez as a midfield target, with one report claiming that Hammers have made contact to sign the 25-year-old.

West Ham have also been strongly tipped to sign Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria, who was on loan at Chelsea last summer, while Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, Everton's Amadou Onana and Bristol City's Alex Scott have also been linked with a summer switch to East London.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/transfer-talk/news/west-ham-see-gbp45m-palhinha-offer-rejected-by-fulham_518791.html?newsnow