Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 02/08/23...

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Youssef Chermiti to Everton transfer could pave the way for Demarai Gray exit to Fulham amid parallel talks
Everton completing a deal to sign Youssef Chermiti from Sporting could allow Demarai Gray to leave for Fulham, according to The Independent.

The newspaper reported on its website on Tuesday (1 August) that the Toffees "will not sell" the 27-year-old winger before they add to their "slender squad".

Talks are ongoing for 19-year-old striker Chermiti from the Portuguese giants, who Everton are set to face in a friendly on Saturday (5 August), and he would become the third signing of the summer after Ashley Young (free transfer) and Arnaut Danjuma (loan) but the first the club have paid a fee for since before last season.

Sky Sports' Alan Myers reported earlier on Tuesday that the Chermiti deal was in line to be completed ahead of the Sporting friendly with a medical due in the next couple of days.

Myers, along with Sky colleague Rob Dorsett, had reported late Monday (31 July) that Gray's exit was on hold until reinforcements were lined up after Everton agreed to sell him to Craven Cottage, but David Ornstein of The Athletic's latest update on Tuesday suggested there was still a gap to close between the two clubs on the transfer fee.

Dominoes
It looks like both these moves are heading towards a completion but the incoming deal, for once, looks to be the more likely to go through imminently.

Whether a teenage striker arriving ties up with an experienced winger leaving is open to question, but with Danjuma already brought in as a wide option after his Tottenham loan it might be enough for Sean Dyche to let go of Gray.

The Everton boss still wants another senior striker, and he could probably still do with an additional supporting attacker as well, given the forward options are still far from bountiful.

Everton have already put money on the table for Chermiti, with a fee over somewhere over £12million plus add-ons expected.

While Gray only has a year left on his contract Fulham are surely going to need to offer the majority of that number to pick up the Jamaica international, in light of 200 Premier League appearances and 35 combined goals and assists in the competition.

Marco Silva's side want £50m to sell Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Arabia and have already rejected £40m, but the Serb wants to leave either way [Evening Standard, 31 July] so there is clearly cash in the offing, and a quarter of that would convince Everton to sell.

But whether Chermiti is considered attacking reinforcements enough fpr Dyche to give the Gray deal the green light likely depends on what else is in the pipeline to go through once money is brought in.



https://www.goodisonnews.com/2023/08/01/youssef-chermiti-to-everton-transfer-could-pave-the-way-for-demarai-gray-exit-to-fulham-amid-parallel-talks/

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Fulham: Silva could seize transfer "opportunity" to sign £120k-p/w star
Fulham are keen to add Brazilian midfielder Fred to the ranks at Craven Cottage, according to reports.

Fulham could return with another attempt to try and land Manchester United midfielder Fred later in the window, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Which clubs are interested in Fred?
According to Corriere dello Sport via Man Utd News, Manchester United will ask for around €10-15 million for Fred this summer and Turkish Super Lig outfit Galatasaray lead the race to sign the Brazil international.

Galatasaray are in negotiations with Manchester United regarding a possible deal for Fred, though no official bid from them has been submitted for the £120k-a-week ace. Lazio president Claudio Lotito holds an attraction towards Fred in addition; nevertheless, Maurizio Sarri isn't keen to bring the midfielder to the Stadio Olimpico this off-season.

The Daily Mail report that Fulham alongside clubs in Saudi Arabia retain an interest in Fred. Marco Silva is believed to be a huge fan of his abilities and would like to bring him to Craven Cottage if possible.

Nevertheless, the outlet claim that Manchester United will in fact demand £20 million for Fred before sanctioning his departure from Old Trafford. Fred has changed his agency and is unlikely to have a long-term future at Manchester United under Erik Ten Hag.

Last term, the 30-year-old made a whopping 56 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United, notching six goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky Sports reporter Sheth doesn't think the door is completely closed on Fulham returning to the table for Fred later this window.

Sheth stated: "There has been interest from Fulham. They couldn't agree on a fee simply because United were asking for too much money.

"Don't rule that one out, though, just yet. I think the later you go in the window and the more that United might think, 'We want to bring in another midfielder', Fulham might spot that as an opportunity to be able to do a deal on their terms rather than on what Manchester United would want at this stage of the transfer window."

Who else could Fulham bring in this summer?
Fulham boss Silva will be desperate to bring in some extra bodies this summer to join new additions Raul Jimenez and Calvin Bassey at Craven Cottage to prepare his side for a second successive campaign back in the English top flight, as per Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, uncertainty continues to rear its ugly head in west London as Aleksandar Mitrovic ploughs on with his attempts to force through a lucrative move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, as per The Daily Mail.

In terms of prospective incomings, Fulham are keen on Everton forward Demarai Gray and are willing to pay £7 million to offer the Jamaica international an escape route from Goodison Park, though the Toffees are seeking to recoup £10 million for his services, according to The Sun.

Chelsea outcast Callum Hudson-Odoi could be set to move to Fulham despite further interest from Lazio and Nottingham Forest, with the Cottagers believed to be in the box seat to convince the 22-year-old to sign on the dotted line in the final month of the window, as per Football Insider.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-transfer-news-rumours-gossip-marco-silva-fred-craven-cottage-dharmesh-sheth/

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Everton in Fulham talks as Demarai Gray transfer preference emerges amid Crystal Palace interest - BBC Sport
Demarai Gray's "preference" is to complete a move from Everton to Fulham amid talks between the two sides and extensive transfer interest from elsewhere, according to BBC Sport.

The broadcaster reported on their website on Tuesday (1 August) that the two Premier League clubs were in negotiations over a sale of the 27-year-old winger, while Crystal Palace, Besiktas and Saudi Pro League clubs also wanted him.

Fulham "require reinforcements" after losing Dan James and Manor Solomon from last season, and appear to be closing in on Gray as the Toffees man wants the move above the alternatives.

David Ornstein reported in The Athletic earlier on Tuesday that personal terms have been agreed for a Craven Cottage move already, although there is not yet an agreement between the clubs on price.

Everton aren't willing to let the Jamaica international leave until new arrivals are lined up, but with a deal closing in for Youssef Chermiti the youngster has been mooted to clear the way.

London calling
Players often agree terms with multiple clubs at once and then wait to see who comes out on top when bidding at the club level.

But after Everton agreed to sell to Fulham above the others, pending the two sides settling on a fee, it looks clear that it is Marco Silva's deal to lose.

Should it collapse one of the other options may be acceptable to Gray, who has a year left on his Goodison Park contract and may have been bumped down to fourth-choice winger after Arnaut Danjuma's loan deal.

But as long as the Cottagers offer the Toffees are suitable amount of money the Gold Cup stand-out will likely be based in the capital sooner rather than later.

A lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal thought to have offered good money, might be the preferred option from a financial point of view, but heading to the Middle East is a very difference consideration to West London so based on Gray's plan all signs point to a Fulham transfer.

He has been a useful contributor in the past two seasons after being brought in by Rafael Benitez from Bayer Leverkusen so Evertonians will want to see more production brought in going forward before the end of the window to compensate for his exit.



https://www.goodisonnews.com/2023/08/01/everton-in-fulham-talks-as-demarai-gray-transfer-preference-emerges-amid-crystal-palace-interest-bbc-sport/

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Fulham Front-Runners to Sign Everton's Demarai Gray
The Race for Demarai Gray: Fulham Leads the Chase

The rumour mill is churning with the possibility of a significant move for Everton's Demarai Gray. The 27-year-old Jamaica international winger has caught the attention of several clubs, but Fulham appear to be leading the way.

Joining Everton in 2021 from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of £1.7m, Gray has since impressed with 75 appearances and a notable contribution of 12 goals. His performance in the blue jersey has not gone unnoticed, and there's much speculation about his next destination.

Other Interested Clubs
Though Everton fans have become attached to Gray's flair, other clubs like Crystal Palace, Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig, and unnamed teams in Saudi Arabia have shown interest in securing his services. Yet, it's Fulham that seems to be his preferred choice.

With a clear need for attacking reinforcements, Fulham's interest in Demarai Gray seems both logical and strategic. Having only recently returned from the Concacaf Gold Cup, Gray's dynamism could be just what manager Marco Silva needs.

The departure of Manor Solomon to Tottenham after his loan spell, along with the return of Wales international winger Dan James to Leeds, has left Fulham in search of attacking potency. Gray's potential arrival may fill this gap, enhancing the team's offensive capabilities.

Summer Signings for Fulham
Fulham's summer has been buzzing with activity, with the acquisition of striker Raul Jimenez from Wolves and centre-back Calvin Bassey from Ajax. Contrary to reports, an agreement with Juventus full-back Luca Pellegrini has not been reached.

The Demarai Gray to Fulham transfer saga is full of intrigue. Everton's prized winger could be a game-changer for Fulham. Only time will tell if the deal materialises, but Fulham fans have every reason to be hopeful.



https://eplindex.com/93493/fulham-front-runners-to-sign-evertons-demarai-gray.html

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Walton & Hersham 1-3 Fulham U18

Fulham Under-18s beat Walton and Hersham's senior side 3-1 on Tuesday night in their penultimate pre-season friendly.

Two goals right at the beginning of each half from Chibby Nwoko and Tom Olyott came either side of a Callum Osmand header to ensure an impressive win.

Head Coach Ali Melloul named a front three of Lemar Gordon and Olyott, who featured on the wings, and last season's golden boot winner Aaron Loupalo-Bi.

Talented first-year scholar Josh King started the game in midfield alongside Nwoko and we named a substitutes bench featuring five more youngsters who recently signed scholarship deals.

The young Whites made a dream start, taking the lead just seconds in. Gordon bust a gut to intercept a sloppy pass at the back before teeing up Nwoko who did the rest.

Our goalkeeper and captain Michael Allen was forced into his first save 12 minutes in, diving to his right to punch clear a venomous delivery from the right-hand side. The hosts responded well after going behind.

We were defending resolutely as the first half progressed, limiting the Isthmian League side to wayward shots from distance.

We were denied by the crossbar soon after, when an inswinging corner was headed up and against the woodwork from a Walton and Hersham defender positioned on the goal-line.

We then scored our second of the evening on the 28-minute mark. King charged forward before playing a brilliant ball across the area to Loupalo-Bi. Although his attempt from close-range was well saved, Callum Osmand was perfectly placed to nod home from the rebound.

A positive opening half came to a close with our lads two goals to the good.

We made an equally fast start to the second half, again scoring within seconds of the whistle. This time, Olyott was positioned at the back post to tap in after a neat move which started from some decent play from Osmand down the right.

Osmand should've scored his second and Fulham's fourth a few minutes later, but his shot on goal from close range was dragged inches wide.

The home side were pushing for a goal back but our lads were making it difficult whilst looking dangerous going forward.

The hosts grabbed one back late on, when a decent low strike from range found the bottom right corner.

A seriously impressive display from our youngsters, who now look ahead to their final pre-season game against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

: Allen, De Jesus, Park, Nsasi (Tabares, 60'), Esenga, King, Nwoko (Bogle-Campbell, 75'), Osmand (Quashie, 60'), Olyott, Loupalo-Bi (Ali-Wahid, 75'), Gordon

Subs: Kaiser, Tabares, Quashie, Picotto, Ali-Wahid, Bogle-Campbell



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/august/01/Walton-And-Hersham-1-3-Fulham-U18/

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Tottenham 'expected to launch a bid' for 25-year-old this week after 'strong interest'
Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to improve their defensive options with the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham.

A report from Football London claims that Tottenham are 'expected to launch a bid' for the 25-year-old central defender this week.

The player is in the final year of his contract with Fulham and he is likely to be sold this month. The London club will not want to lose him on a free transfer next year.

The report adds that Tottenham have a 'strong interest' in the defender who is wanted by clubs including Monaco.

Apparently, the defender is keen on a move to the north London club if there is an offer on the table and it remains to be seen whether Tottenham can secure an agreement with Fulham.

Tottenham conceded 63 goals in the league last season and they will have to sort out the defensive unit if they want to get back into the champions league.

Adarabioyo has proven his quality in the Premier League and he is likely to hit the ground running. He wouldn't need an adaptation period and he could make an instant impact.

The 25-year-old is likely to partner Cristian Romero at the heart of Tottenham's defence next season.

Meanwhile, the London club are also looking at Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van de Ven.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham end up signing more than just one central defender before the summer transfer window closes.



https://theboyhotspur.com/tottenham-expected-to-launch-a-bid-for-25-year-old-this-week-after-strong-interest/