Monday Fulham Stuff - 24/07/23...

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Friendly Result

Sunday
Fulham	3-2	Brentford

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Fulham close to agreeing £33m double deal as Calvin Bassey heads for medical - sources
Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Ajax star Calvin Bassey – and are also close to winning the race for Southampton star Mohammed Salisu, sources have told Football Insider.

The Cottagers have had a bid of £18m for ex-Rangers star Bassey accepted by the Dutch club.

The left footed centre-back is expected to have a medical and finalise personal terms at the start of the week.

Fulham are also closing to signing Salisu with negotiations advancing with Southampton over a £15m deal.

AS Monaco are also interested and have had two bids rejected.

Football Insider revealed last week (15 July), that the Saints received an offer from the Ligue 1 club for Salisu and talks between the sides were ongoing.

The 24-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at St Mary's and the Saints could be forced to sell him for a cut-price fee in order to avoid losing him for free next summer.

The defender was one of the few bright sparks last term, before picking up an injury towards the end of the season, in a campaign which ultimately saw them relegated from the English top flight.

The Ghana international made 28 appearances across all competitions last term before being sidelined with a hip injury for most of the final two months of the season.

The Saints are now resigned to the fact that they could lose the central defender this summer, especially following the side's relegation from the Premier League.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/fulham-close-to-agreeing-33m-double-deal-as-calvin-bassey-heads-for-medical-sources/

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Martin Samuel should salute Marco Silva's sterling service in SW6 not slam it
Martin Samuel was once a brilliant sports writer and probably has an attic full of accolades to prove it. He won three successive British sports journalist of the year awards between 2005 and 2007 and was the landslide winner of a UK Press Gazette poll to find Britain's best sports journalist in 2012. He also co-wrote a fabulous book with the former Fulham centre forward and manager Malcolm McDonald called 'How to score goals'. It may have been published in 1985 but it stands the test of time.

Something has happened since Samuel took the News UK shilling and was granted a double-page spread in the Sunday Times sports section every week. He used eight of his first fourteen opportunities to take aim at the plans for an independent regulator for football, lambasting state inference in the beautiful game – suggesting that he hadn't bothered to read any of the submissions to the inquiry co-ordinated by Tracey Crouch.

A fortnight ago, Samuel laid the blame for Andy Murray's second round exit at Wimbledon firmly at the feet of the BBC, who together with the tournament's organisers had scheduled the Scot's epic encounter Stefanos Tsitsipas, for late on Friday night. Murray was in front when play was suspended late into the evening, but his momentum dissipated when the match resumed the following afternoon. His case was unimpeachable: paying spectators had to leave to make the last train and fans are short-changed at the behest of the broadcaster.

Last week, Samuel weighed in behind the TV companies who frequently alter fixtures to suit their schedules rather than the match-going supporters. 'Broadcasters are entitled to what they paid for,' he wrote – before lambasting the train companies. Perhaps Samuel didn't notice the breathtaking inconsistency and incoherence of those two offerings, but a sub-editor or someone at the Sunday Times probably should have done.

In today's paper, Samuel slams Marco Silva for 'a brazen act of disloyalty'. His article thunders with condemnation:

    "Heads are being turned by the money on offer from Saudi Arabia, and managers are no exception. Steven Gerrard is now out there, so too Slaven Bilic and Nuno Espírito Santo. So why does it feel that if Marco Silva walks out on Fulham for a job with Al-Ahly, that is him done in the English game?

    Perhaps because, with his club also set to lose their main goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al-Hilal – Fulham are asking £52 million, but Mitrovic is actively trying to force the move and has spoken privately of refusing to play – it seems like such a brazen act of disloyalty. Silva has always been ambitious and mercenary, that much is understood. He took the job at Hull City as a springboard into English football, resigned at the end of the 2016-17 season and was appointed Watford manager two days later; he was being linked with Everton roughly six months into his tenure at Vicarage Road, and they ended up paying £4 million in compensation when Watford sued. Now everyone seemingly knows the details of his Fulham release clause, which is the sort of convenient leak that happens when a manager has his eye out for a better job. And if all of this moves Silva up management's greasy pole, we would typically shrug and dismiss it as the business of football.

    Yet, in professional terms, Al-Ahly aren't promotion. Not from Fulham, and not from the Premier League. It's a purely financial move and while no one's judging, it doesn't make Silva the man for the long term, or a project, or a manager a club can even rely on being there next week, if he spies an opportunity elsewhere.

    Silva has done well for Fulham, but they have supported him, too, and deserve better. If he goes, he can bank on £40m, but he shouldn't bank on a return to English football any time soon."

With wonderful irony, Samuel's tirade – written after Thursday's suggestion on Sky Sports News that Silva was likely to accept Al-Alhy's offer – appeared in print in the Sunday paper only hours after the Fulham head coach reaffirmed his total commitment the club during a lively press conference in Philadelphia. Silva, derided as a mercenary by Samuel, pointed out that he rejected several mid-season offers to jump ship to guide the Whites to tenth in the Premier League. He continues to rebuff overtures from both Al-Hilal and Al-Ahly because, as he put it last night, he considers England's top flight to be 'the best league in the world'. Superbly, Samuel's Silva-bashing appears opposite his article entitled 'Why should footballers always have to be moral crusaders?' defending Jordan Henderson's right to accept the Saudi cash.

Protecting England's clubs from sportwashing Saudi Arabians sounds like one of the key responsibilities of an independent regulator for football. I'm grateful to Martin for making us not need to look far for another example of the fact that, where London's oldest professional club are concerned, near enough is good enough.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/martin-samuel-should-salute-marco-silvas-sterling-service-in-sw6-not-slam-it/

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Di Marzio: Milan receive two offers for full-back with Fulham hopeful of closing deal
Fodé Ballo-Touré will soon leave AC Milan and the club have received offers from two clubs so far, according to a report.

As Gianluca Di Marzio writes, Milan made it clear that Ballo-Toure is not a part of their plans as the Senegalese full-back remained to train in Italy rather than leaving for the tour in the United States, in agreement with the club.

The parties are finalising the negotiation for his exit and there are two offers on the table, coming from Fulham and Bologna. The Premier League side have bid around €4m for a permanent deal, and there is confidence it will be closed on Monday.

That is unless the player explicitly chooses Bologna, who at the moment are only offering the Rossoneri a loan deal with an option to buy, making it the less preferred option for Geoffrey Moncada and Co.

Ballo-Touré would like to stay in Italy but Milan, on the other hand, would prefer to close a deal definitively. The decision will come shortly.



https://sempremilan.com/di-marzio-milan-two-offers-ballo-toure

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Everton transfer news as Fulham ready to pay £7m for Demarai Gray
Fulham are ready to pay £7million to sign Everton attacker Demarai Gray this summer, according to Alan Nixon.

The newspaper journalist reported on his Patreon on 23 July that the Cottagers are willing to make their move as they look to snatch the Jamaican international.

Nixon said the Toffees are looking for a fee in the region of £10million to "cash in" on the 27-year-old after finding his replacement in Arnaut Danjuma, who Sky Sports's Alan Myers claimed had completed his medical on 22 July.



One in, one out
The potential transfer of Gray to Fulham suggests Everton are operating with a one-in, one-out policy this summer as Sean Dyche looks to strengthen his squad.

It comes as no surprise given the current financial constraints around the club, with the Toffees boss looking to take advantage of the free agent market while also eyeing some bargain deals.

If the Cottagers are looking to bring Gray in for £7million, there may have to be some compromises made from both parties in order to push a deal through, as that currently falls under his valuation.

The Toffees look set to make a healthy profit on the winger either way after they brought him in for a reported £1.7million from Bayern Leverkusen two years ago.

With the Danjuma deal looking set to be confirmed within a matter of hours, it makes sense to move Gray on for a decent transfer fee as it's unlikely he'll be in line for many minutes once the Dutch international arrives at Goodison Park.



https://www.goodisonnews.com/2023/07/23/everton-transfer-news-as-fulham-ready-to-pay-7m-for-demarai-gray/

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Fulham Set to Welcome Duo Salisu and Bassey
Fulham's Investment in Defence: Mohammed Salisu and Calvin Bassey on the Horizon

Fulham, the prominent West London side, is on the brink of a significant defensive reinforcement, with over £30 million being set aside for the acquisition of Southampton's Mohammed Salisu and Ajax's Calvin Bassey. The Telegraph has brought to light these exciting developments in the English football scene.

A New Chapter for Fulham's Backline
Fulham's firm advance towards a pact with Southampton for Salisu exceeds the £15 million mark, indicative of the defender's calibre. His transfer is but a handshake away, a deal that will surely rattle the English football landscape.

On another front, the Londoners are deep into negotiations for an £18 million contract with Nigeria's international talent, Calvin Bassey, a stalwart from Ajax.

Amidst a Wave of Uncertainty
These defensive augmentations come amidst a fog of ambiguity. The futures of Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrovic seem undetermined, with Saudi Arabian clubs poised to seize them.

Mitrovic has expressed a desire to don the Al-Hilal jersey, and despite Fulham rebuffing two offers, the most recent one nearing £30 million, the forward's resolve remains unbroken.

Simultaneously, Silva finds himself in Al-Ahli's crosshairs. Telegraph Sport disclosed earlier this week that the Saudi club is ready to establish Silva amongst the world's highest-earning coaches.

Fulham's Resilience in the Transfer Market
Despite the whirlwind of uncertainties, Fulham's progression in securing Salisu and Bassey exemplifies their unyielding approach to transfer strategies. A swift resolution to the ongoing turmoil would undoubtedly give their pre-season a much-needed boost.

The Craven Cottage side currently finds itself in the United States, gearing up for friendlies against Brentford, Aston Villa, and Chelsea. Mitrovic, although part of the tour, has reportedly been aggrieved by Fulham's seeming endeavours to overprice his Saudi move.

Salisu and Bassey: Prospective Pillars of Fulham's Defence
Salisu has showcased his prowess across 68 Premier League appearances since joining Southampton in 2020. He's also caught the eye of Monaco, further testament to his abilities.

Meanwhile, Bassey, the Scottish Premiership victor, switched from Rangers to Ajax for a fee close to £20 million last summer. The 23-year-old has also been in Brighton's long-term radar.

Fulham's endeavour to secure these two talents will undoubtedly contribute to a robust defence, setting the stage for a promising season ahead.



https://eplindex.com/92817/fulham-set-to-welcome-duo-salisu-and-bassey.html

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Lazio Stepping Up Talks to Sign Chelsea Winger
Lazio and Chelsea are reportedly in advanced talks over Callum Hudson-Odoi's move to Serie A amid interest from Fulham. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano says negotiations are 'progressing well,' with the Biancocelesti leapfrogging the Premier League side in the race to sign the English youngster.

Despite only yesterday joining the hunt, Lazio could be waltzing away with Hudson-Odoi's signature by the end of the day. Chelsea no longer count on the 22-year-old winger. They are desperate to offload him as soon as possible to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Aware of the situation, Lazio have concretized talks to beat Fulham. The Cottagers' opening bid for the homegrown Stamford Bridge star failed to satisfy Chelsea. The Italians have spotted a window of opportunity and seem ready to pounce on it.

Hudson-Odoi emerged as one of England's brightest talents during Maurizio Sarri's time at Chelsea. The former Napoli boss introduced then a teenager into the first-team squad, giving him a chance to play senior football at age 18.

Sarri sees Hudson-Odoi as an upgrade on his current attacking options. He has already snapped up Valentin Castellanos as a younger alternative to Ciro Immobile. Now he wants to reinforce the flanks, with Felipe Anderson yet to commit his future to Lazio.

The Brazilian forward has drawn interest from several Saudi Pro League clubs. But after losing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Al-Hilal, Lazio are reluctant to do more business with the Gulf state.



https://cultofcalcio.com/lazio-stepping-up-talks-to-sign-chelsea-winger/

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Fulham edge closer to deal for Milan left back Ballo-Toure
Fulham are now working on getting the green light from Fode Ballo-Toure after agreeing a deal with Milan, Daniele Longo reports.

The 26-year-old Senegalese centre back was not called up by Stefano Pioli for the pre-season tour to the United States, no longer being considered a part of the project in the Lombardy capital.

Ballo-Toure hardly featured for Milan last season, seeing just 650 minutes of action across 14 appearances, and the club are already searching for a replacement.

As reported by Longo of Calciomercato.com, Fulham have agreed to pay Milan around €4m for Ballo-Toure, allowing them to take a key step forward in their chase of the left back.

The Premier League side are now working on agreeing personal terms with the 26-year-old, who is taking a few days to decide as he's also keen on the idea of joining Bologna.

Ballo-Toure joined Milan from Monaca in July 2021 in a deal worth around €5.4m. Since his arrival, he's seen 1185 minutes of action across 26 total appearances.



https://football-italia.net/fulham-edge-closer-to-deal-for-milan-left-back-ballo-toure/

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West Ham: "Beast" player will be "out-of-reach" for Moyes
West Ham United boss David Moyes in on the prowl to try and find a replacement for departed club captain Declan Rice.

    Joao Palhinha may be too expensive for West Ham due to Fulham's high asking price, even though he is a top target for the club.
    Fulham had set Palhinha's asking price at £90 million, but other suitors value him at around £50 million.
    West Ham have identified other targets, such as Carlos Borges and Conor Gallagher, as potential signings this window.

West Ham United target Joao Palhinha could prove to be 'out-of-reach' due to Fulham's extremely high asking price for the Portugal international, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Joao Palhinha going to West Ham United?
According to Football Insider, Fulham have warned West Ham against making another offer for £50k-a-week Palhinha after the Hammers seen an opening bid of £45 million rejected for his services.

The report states that Palhinha is a 'top target' for West Ham following the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for a record fee for a British player. Last term, Palhinha was an excellent performer at Craven Cottage and made more tackles than anyone else in the Premier League with 148, racking up 48 more than second-placed Moises Caidedo of Brighton & Hove Albion.

In terms of appearances, the 28-year-old featured 40 times in all competitions for Fulham, registering four goals in total, as shown on Transfermarkt.

Last month, The Daily Mail claimed that Fulham set Palhinha's asking price at a whopping £90 million, which they had benchmarked against the fee West Ham eventually received for Rice; however, keen suitors are more likely to value the Portugal international at the £50 million mark.

Any big-money deal for Palhinha would represent a significant profit for Fulham this window, given that the west Londoners brought the box-to-box midfielder for £20 million last year from Sporting Lisbon, as per Sky Sports.

Other targets in the engine room have been mooted for West Ham over the last few weeks, including Ajax's Edson Alvarez, Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse and Manchester United star Scott McTominay.

Nevertheless, transfer insider Jones thinks that Palhinha may prove 'out-of-reach' for West Ham due to Fulham's asking price for his signature.

Jones told FFC: "So I understand he would be more into kind of that Palhinha type figure for West Ham. Now look, the other thing you've got to consider, Edson Alvarez, I think everyone can agree on is going to be a really good signing. Palhinha, I think he's going to prove out-of-reach. I mean, at the moment, for the other players that West Ham are targeting, Palhinha is going to be more expensive than all of them."

Who else could West Ham United sign this window?
West Ham United boss David Moyes is keen to get to work spending the money that the Irons have managed to accumulate for former club captain Rice and the Scot has identified several targets that could potentially pitch up at the London Stadium this window.

Manchester City youngster Carlos Borges is in 'advanced talks' to join West Ham for a fee in the region of £14 million and will provide some variation on the left flank, as per The Evening Standard.

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is another name of interest to West Ham; however, the Blues value the England international at a price exceeding £40 million and it is believed that he would need to drive any potential departure personally, according to Sky Sports.

FC Midtjylland talent Emiliano Martinez is attracting attention from both West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers and his agent, Luis Ferrer, is gauging side's that would be keen to offer his client an opportunity to move elsewhere, as per Football Insider.



https://www.footballfancast.com/west-ham-joao-palhinha-transfer-rumours-news-london-stadium/

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Fulham intensify efforts to sign Mohammed Salisu
Fulham are looking to improve their defensive options this summer and are keen on signing Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.

According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, Mohammed Salisu is a target for Fulham. And the London club are currently in advanced talks to sign the versatile 24-year-old defender from Southampton.

Apparently, Fulham could sign him in a deal worth around £15 million. Salisu has been relegated to the Championship with Southampton, and he will look to get back to the top flight. There is no doubt that the 24-year-old is too good for the Championship. So the possibility of a move back to the Premier League will appeal to him.

Fulham did well following their promotion last season, and they will look to build on it and finish in the top half next year. Salisu has shown his quality in the Premier League before, and he could prove to be a useful acquisition for the London club.

Fulham could reportedly part ways with Tosin Adarabioyo this summer. The 25-year-old towering defender is in the final year of his contract at Fulham, and he has been linked with a move away from the club in the summer.

The London club will have to replace him adequately if he moves on, and Salisu should prove to be a quality acquisition. The £15 million deal could look like a bargain in the coming seasons if Fulham can secure an agreement. In addition, the 24-year-old's ability to play as a left-back and a centre-back makes him an attractive target.

Southampton will not want to weaken their squad this summer. But they are powerless to stop their key players from leaving. Their relegation has forced their hand, and they are likely to lose multiple key players during the summer transfer window.

Salisu is not the only defender from Southampton linked with a move away from the club. The likes of Valentino Livramento and Kyle Walker-Peters have been linked with moves to the Premier League this summer as well. The 24-year-old versatile defender could make an immediate impact at Fulham next season, and he has the ability to justify the £15 million asking price.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/07/23/fulham-intensify-efforts-to-sign-mohammed-salisu/

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Perhaps Samuel will print an apology next week?

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Fulham agree £5.5million deal to sign Wolves striker Raul Jimenez
Fulham have agreed a £5.5million deal to sign Wolves striker Raul Jimenez.

The Mexican only has one year left on his contract and is understood to be surplus to requirements, and fellow Premier League side Fulham have now agreed a fee after opening talks to sign him.

The London club are targeting Jimenez as a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is eager to move to Al Hilal, despite Fulham turning down two offers from the Saudi Arabian club.

Jimenez fell out of favour with Julen Lopetegui last season and was always likely to depart this summer, despite returning to pre-season training in the last few weeks.

The deal will also include add-ons for Wolves to potentially secure additional funds.

Jimenez will now leave Wolves' training camp in Portugal and will have his Fulham medical on Monday.



https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/football/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2023/07/23/fulham-in-talks-to-sign-wolves-striker-raul-jimenez/

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Milan Bust Close to Joining Fulham
Milan misfit Fode Ballo-Toure could be on the verge of joining Premier League outfit Fulham after negotiations picked up momentum. As reported by Calcimercato, talks are in full swing after the Cottagers agreed to pay €4 million for the troubled left-back.

Ballo-Toure left Monaco for San Siro in 2021. Milan coughed out €5.4m to make the Senegalese defender Theo Hernandez's backup option. Brought in to be a second-choice left-back, he only made 26 appearances for Stefano Pioli's side.

Last season, Ballo-Toure registered just 650 minutes of action across 14 matches. Despite his relatively sparse playing time, the 26-year-old has failed to live up to the billing. Indeed, his performances have never convinced Milan to include him in their future projects.

In recent weeks, Basel's Riccardo Calafiori has emerged as a target for Milan. But before making an approach for the Roma youth academy graduate, the Italians must remove Ballo-Toure from their payroll. After numerous expensive purchases, money is running thin.

Fulham could lend Milan a helping hand. They could be preparing for life after Antonee Robinson. The USMNT defender has generated plenty of interest in the Premier League. The Cottagers are unwilling to sell, but they have an obligation to prepare for every outcome.

Milan will suffer some capital loss on Ballo-Toure, but it's a small price to pay to get rid of an underperforming player.



https://cultofcalcio.com/milan-bust-close-to-joining-fulham/

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Jiménez set to join Fulham
Fulham are set to sign the Mexican international striker Raúl Jiménez from Wolverhampton Wanderers for an initial fee of £5.5m.

The 32 year-old centre forward, who has scored 57 goals in 166 games since moving to Molineux from Benfica in 2018, is surplus to requirements in the Midlands having been frozen out by Julen Lopetegui. The 6ft 2in front man, who recovered from a fractured skull suffered in November 2020, has agreed terms to join Fulham and is well known to Marco Silva following his trophy-laden spell in Portugal.

Jimenez has left Wolves' pre-season training camp in Portugal to finalise the formalities of the transfer. The experienced striker came through the Club America academy before winning the Clausura in 2013 and his 38 goals in 103 appearances secured a £10m to Atletico Madrid. He scored a solitary goal during his only season in Spain and opted to join Benfica ahead of West Ham.

He scored 31 goals in 121 appearances as Benfica won back-to-back Primeira Liga titles before moving to Molineux, initially on loan in the summer of 2018. Jimenez is the seventh highest scorer in Mexican history, with 30 goals from his century of senior caps, and has represented his country at three successive World Cup. He was a key part of the Mexican side that won the football gold medal at London 2012.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/jimenez-set-to-join-fulham/

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Fabrizio Romano reveals Fulham 'in talks' to sign powerhouse Prem striker as Mitrovic replacement
Fulham are in discussions with a Premier League rival after deciding on a striker as a 'concrete option' to replace Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Mitrovic was in great form last season, netting 15 goals in 28 matches to help Fulham finish 10th in the Premier League and reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Mitrovic could have surpassed the 20-goal mark if he hadn't received an eight-game ban in April for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

The centre-forward could soon leave Craven Cottage though. On July 12, it emerged that Al Hilal were hoping to take him to Saudi Arabia. They soon lodged a £25.5million bid, which was knocked back by Fulham.

Two days later, Mitrovic reached an agreement on personal terms with Al Hilal after deciding he wants to make the move. Al Hilal were tipped to submit a second offer for the Serbia hitman, but that has yet to arrive.

As would be expected, Fulham are preparing themselves in case Mitrovic does end up heading to the Middle East. And writing on Twitter, Romano has revealed they are lining up Wolves' Raul Jimenez as a direct replacement up front.

Jimenez is a 'concrete option' for Fulham and they are 'in talks' with both Wolves and the player's entourage to try and reach an agreement on both fronts.

Fulham have seemingly drawn up a list of potential successors to Mitrovic and Jimenez is right at the top of it.

If Al Hilal do end up meeting Fulham's asking price for Mitrovic, then the Cottagers will go straight to Wolves with a bid for Jimenez. Fulham hope that they will have agreed personal terms with the Mexican before then.

Marco Silva provides double transfer update
Jimenez's move could also depend on the future of Fulham boss Marco Silva. He has confirmed he has received an offer to manage Al Ahli, which would make him £40m over two years.

Silva discussed the futures of both himself and Mitrovic recently. When asked about potentially managing in Saudi Arabia next term, Silva replied: "I answered for my club. I will not talk about this situation.

"I don't come here to talk about offers and these situations. If you ask me, I will not lie to you, if I receive an offer, of course, the club knows that, but I will talk nothing more about that."

He added that he is 'committed' to Fulham and that will continue.

Silva's attention then turned to Mitrovic. "Let's talk about Mitrovic. It is not the ideal scenario, of course. It is not about the offer, it is about himself," the coach said.

"He is not going to play [today], he didn't play last Wednesday and he is not working with his teammates. It is not an ideal scenario.

"As you all know there is interest in our players, like Joao Palhinha, he didn't come out as well. That's another situation and not one that concerns me but I would like to have a different scenario about that situation.

"I spoke to Mitro already and he knows my opinion."

Out of all the strikers in the Prem, Jimenez is one of a select few who would be able to emulate how Mitrovic plays. He is a similar stature and is great at bullying opposition defenders.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/fabrizio-romano-reveals-fulham-in-talks-sign-powerhouse-striker-mitrovic-replacement

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Fulham close in £5m deal for Wolves striker Raul Jimenez as Aleksandar Mitrovic's future remains uncertain
Mitrovic remains keen on joining Al-Hilal but Fulham have so far held firm

Fulham are closing in on the £5million move for Wolves striker Raul Jimenez.

The 32-year-old has left his club's training camp in Portugal to complete a move to west London.

It remains unclear whether Jimenez will serve as a replacement for talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic, after the Serbian told Fulham he wanted to move to Al-Hilal.

Mitrovic is frustrated with Fulham after they turned down several bids rising to £40m, denying him the chance to triple his £120,000-a-week wages in Saudi Arabia.

The 28-year-old striker is now training alone in London as Fulham take part in their first pre-season tour of the United States.

Marco Silva is making real progress to add players despite uncertainty around his own future.

Defenders Calvin Bassey and Mohammed Salisu from Ajax and Southampton are both closing in on moves worth over a combined £30m.

Fulham have also made a £3.5m offer for left-back Fode Ballo-Toure and remain locked in talks with Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Seven players left Fulham over the summer but they are yet to sign any replacements.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/raul-jimenez-fulham-wolves-aleksandar-mitrovic-transfer-news-b1096203.html

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Fulham boss Silva turns down latest Saudi offer
Marco Silva has rejected a second offer to take over as manager of Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli.

The Fulham boss was offered a deal worth around £35m, having rejected a previous offer to take over.

But he looks set to stay at Craven Cottage.

Speaking on Saturday, Silva would not say whether he had rejected Al-Ahli's latest approach.

But he stated: "My commitment for the club [Fulham] is clear and it will continue.

"I have shown my commitment to this club last season so many times.

"I will not talk about the situation. I don't come here to talk about offers and these situations."

And on Sunday afternoon it emerged that Silva had turned the offer down.

Meanwhile, Fulham are set to complete the signings of Ajax defender Calvin Bassey and Wolves striker Raul Jimenez.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-saudi-update-230723

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Marco Silva REJECTS mega £40m two-year offer from Al-Ahli to stay on as Fulham boss next season

    Fulham boss Marco Silva has turned down an offer from Saudi side Al-Ahli
    Silva was offered a £40m deal over two seasons to be the club's new manager
    The Portuguese led Fulham to 10th place last season on their top flight return

Marco Silva has rejected a £40million offer from Saudi Arabia and will remain in charge of Fulham.

The Portuguese boss refused to confirm he would be staying at Craven Cottage when asked about his future here in Philadelphia on Saturday, a stance that caused unrest among supporters.

However, moves have since been made to let it be known he has turned down the approach from Al-Ahli.

Silva told NBC before their pre-season friendly against Brentford on Sunday: 'My commitment to this club has been 100 per cent since the first day I signed. We will continue in this way. Offers are part of the business.

'We've had two great seasons in this club. The players have improved. Managers are in the spotlight and that's part of the job. It's up to us to think and respect the club where you are working.


Marco Silva has turned down an approach from Al-Ahli to become the club's new manager
 

Al-Ahli have recruited Edouard Mendy (above) and Roberto Firmino so far this summer

'It's what I've done and will keep doing. That's it. It was a decision I made. I spoke with the club and like the last two seasons, I'm fully committed.'

Al-Ahli will now continue their search for a new manager and it remains to be seen if another Premier League boss is targeted.

The Saudi Pro League club have already signed Roberto Firming this summer and are about to add Riyad Mahrez and Allan Saint-Maximin.

Silva, who has one year left on his Fulham contract, guided the team to a top-10 finish last season having won promotion from the Championship in his first campaign, during which he claims he rejected offers from at least two other clubs.

The 46-year-old spoke of his wish to bring in new players over the weekend and Wolves striker Raul Jimenez is on the verge of a £5.5m move.

That could accelerate the departure of Aleksander Mitrovic, who is here in the United States with the squad but is training separately given his desire to join Saudi club Al-Hilal.


The Portuguese led Fulham to a 10th place finish last season after getting the club promoted

Silva admitted that situation was 'not ideal'.

'It is not the ideal scenario, not because he received an offer. It is all the situation about himself,' he said.

'He is not working properly with his team-mates, and when I say it is not the ideal scenario, this is the situation.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12328793/Marco-Silva-REJECTS-mega-40m-two-year-offer-Al-Ahil-stay-Fulham-boss-season.html

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Fulham agree deal to sign Wolves striker Jimenez
Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Wolves striker Raul Jimenez.

The Mexico international, 32, looks set to move to west London for £5.5m.

He has scored 27 Premier League goals in 97 appearances since Wolves bought him from Benfica four years ago after he had spent a season on loan at Molineux.

His expected arrival comes amid doubts over the future of Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Mitrovic is wanted by Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and is keen to make the move.

But Whites boss Marco Silva has rejected a second offer to manage in Saudi and looks set to stay at Craven Cottage.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-agree-deal-to-sign-wolves-striker-jimenez

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Marco Silva set to turn down big-money Saudi Arabia offer and stay at Fulham
Fulham will continue their attempts to persaude the 46-year-old to sign a new deal at Craven Cottage

Marco Silva is set to remain at Fulham after signalling his intent to turn down a big-money offer from Saudi Arabia.

The 46-year-old refused to publicly confirm his desire to stay at Fulham on Saturday as he continues to leverage Al Ahli's interest, but he is widely expected to stay in the Premier League.

Silva wants to take Fulham to the next level and the Cottagers are set to sign a host of his transfer targets next week, including Raul Jimenez, Calvin Bassey and Mohammed Salisu.

Al Ahli have begun sounding out managerial alternatives, despite their second contract offer of £40million over two years remaining on the table. Saudi rivals Al-Hilal also sounded out Silva.

Fulham will continue to target further signings for Silva, including Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and AC Milan defender Fode Ballo-Toure.

They have tried and failed to renew Silva's contract which expires next summer. Fulham will again attempt to extend his deal while removing a £6m break clause available to interested clubs.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-fulham-saudi-arabia-al-ahli-b1096208.html