Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 10/01/24...

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Notts County secure loan signing of Fulham goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond
Luca Ashby-Hammond made 11 appearances on loan at Crawley Town for the first half of the campaign

Notts County have bolstered their goalkeeper options with the loan signing of Fulham goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond until the end of the season. The 22-year-old was with fellow League Two club Crawley Town for the first half of the campaign, making 11 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils before being recalled by Fulham to facilitate this move to Meadow Lane.

Ashby-Hammond's arrival provides more competition for the goalkeeper spot, with Sam Slocombe currently out injured and Tiernan Brooks set to go out on loan again after his Cork City stint was disrupted by injury. Aidan Stone will have someone to compete against for the gloves again, with the former England youth international showing his true potential on loan at Aldershot Town last term in the National League.

Magpies head of goalkeeping Tom Weal revealed that Ashby-Hammond is someone he has looked at for a while, believing his experience so far as a young goalkeeper sets him up well for this move. He said: "I've known about Luca for a long time. When I was working in academy football he was heavily involved in the England youth teams, playing in several big games and doing very well.

"He had to be patient with his progression into senior football but impressed for Aldershot last season before gaining further experience with Crawley recently. Having had such a good grounding with Fulham and England, and with Crawley also playing a similar way to us, he's very familiar with what we would expect from a goalkeeper and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"His arrival gives us strong competition for the number-one shirt, particularly when you consider Sam Slocombe is making good progress in his recovery from injury. It will also allow Tiernan Brooks to go out on loan again after his time with Cork City was unfortunately disrupted by injury. We're really keen for Tiernan to have a solid run of games at a good level, which will allow him to show us he's ready to be considered as a senior option for us next season."

It is the second signing Notts have made in the January window, having also acquired midfielder Scott Robertson on a free transfer from Fleetwood Town, as the club bolster their options for the second half of the season, currently in the absence of a permanent head coach.



https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/notts-county-secure-loan-signing-9025963

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Liverpool line-ups for Fulham as Conor Bradley and Ryan Gravenberch decisions made
Our writers name their XIs for the League Cup semi-final clash with Fulham on Wednesday evening

Paul Gorst - Change of role for Nunez
With the Wembley arches now visible in the distance for Liverpool, the timing of their injury crisis is far from ideal.

The good news, at least, is that captain Virgil van Dijk returns for this one and the skipper starts alongside Ibrahima Konate for me. With no game now until January 21 after this evening, Jurgen Klopp has to go as strong as possible, which brings us neatly to the goalkeeping situation.

Pep Lijnders has already confirmed that Caoimhin Kelleher will start the game and while there was wisdom in giving him these cup minutes two years ago as an incentive to keep him away from exploring his options later that summer, I see no reason why Liverpool shouldn't be selecting the goalkeeper they believe to be the world's best in Alisson Becker.

In the full-back spots, I'm going to give Conor Bradley a run-out at right-back now that Trent Alexander-Arnold is sidelined with Joe Gomez continuing to deputise for Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas on the left.

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister starts as the No.6 with Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott further forward. Both players were superb in the previous round against West Ham, so this is another chance for that tandem to impress.

Diogo Jota leads the line down the middle and I'm shunting Luis Diaz out to the right and giving Darwin Nunez the chance to gallop down the left with his typical brand of headstrong menace. Cody Gakpo can wait in the wings if needed.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Mac Allister, Elliott, Jones; Diaz, Jota, Nunez

Ian Doyle - Van Dijk joins Konate in defence again
The League Cup may not be as good as the FA Cup, but there's nothing more important than the next game for Liverpool.

And the Reds now stand just two matches against Fulham away from another trip to Wembley and a chance to regain the trophy the won in 2022.

What, then, is Jurgen Klopp to do for tonight's semi-final first leg at Anfield?

A lack of availability means there isn't much choice in personnel for the Liverpool boss, although there is still wriggle room regards how he sets up his side.

In goal will be Caoimhin Kelleher. That much is known. And Virgil van Dijk must return at centre-back, and I'd have Ibrahima Konate alongside him. Joe Gomez can continue at left-back, and Conor Bradley deserves the chance to start at right-back.

In midfield, with Alexis Mac Allister the number six and Curtis Jones to his left, the question is who should start to the right. And I'd plump for Harvey Elliott.

Up top, the second half at Arsenal suggests Luis Diaz can do a job on the right, with Darwin Nunez down the left. And it might be time for Diogo Jota to start as the central striker.

My team (4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Mac Allister, Elliott, Jones; Diaz, Jota, Nunez

Theo Squires - Nunez gets nod in attack
After seeing Middlesbrough take a shock 1-0 first leg lead against Chelsea last night, Liverpool can take nothing for granted in their own semi-final vs Fulham. Though, given their injury list, there isn't much scope for Jurgen Klopp to rotate anyway.

Conor Bradley replaces the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, but Joe Gomez is asked to go again on the opposing flank. Meanwhile League Cup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher returns in goal.

Virgil van Dijk captains the side at centre-back after illness, and is partnered by Jarell Quansah. Given the Reds' injury woes and the Frenchman's own history, Ibrahima Konate can be wrapped up in cotton wool on the bench instead after shining against Arsenal on Sunday.

Ryan Gravenberch comes into midfield, replacing Cody Gakpo who struggled against the Gunners. Curtis Jones swaps flanks as a result, while Alexis Mac Allister is in again at number six.

Diogo Jota comes in to start for the first time since injury, and can play on the left. Luis Diaz switches to the right as a result after catching the eye there at the Emirates.

Darwin Nunez can have another go down the middle, switching throughout with Jota, while Gakpo and Harvey Elliott are the attacking options reserve.

My team (4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez; Jones, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Diaz, Nunez, Jota



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-line-ups-fulham-conor-28423195

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Barcelona keeping tabs on 18-goal Chelsea, Fulham striker target – report
Barcelona have recently completed the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque. The 19-year-old has signed a long-term deal with the Catalans, with a €1 billion release clause in his contract.

Barça will be hoping he can make the centre-forward slot his own for several years, and compete with Real Madrid's Endrick, who is touted to the be the next big thing in football.

The Catalans also have a certain Marc Guiu in their ranks, who has done bits for each youth side he has played for. His physical profile and incredible scoring instincts make his profile very valuable.

Despite having two of the most highly-rated teenage strikers in the world, Barcelona seem to be interested in signing another centre-forward soon, and have been scouting one, as revealed by The Standard.

The report suggests that Barcelona are keeping tabs on AZ Alkmaar's Vangelis Pavlidis, who wants to leave Eredivisie this month.

Fulham, Chelsea interested
avlidis ended last season with Alkmaar with 12 goals and eight appearances in 25 games in the league, and has taken his exploits further this season, hoping for big move.

The Greek striker is the joint-top scorer (alongside Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez) in Eredivisie this season with a massive 18 goals in 16 games so far.

He has attracted interest from the Premier League in the form of Chelsea, who have been scouting him, and Fulham, who could actively pursue him if Carlos Vinicius or Rodrigo Muniz leave them in the winter.

Alongside them, the report confirms that Barcelona and AC Milan have also kept tabs on him in recent weeks.

BU's take
It is hard to believe that there is any truth to this report. With Robert Lewandowski contracted until 2026, and Vitor Roque's arriving this month, it would be silly of Barcelona to pursue another striker. One that will likely cost upwards €40-50 million.

More so considering that the blaugranes have far bigger fish to fry as far as their squad is concerned. The pivot, for example, is screaming for reinforcement, and the team also needs an 8, and possibly more fullbacks.



https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-keeping-tabs-on-18-goal-chelsea-fulham-striker-target-report/

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Five changes – Liverpool 4-3-3 starting lineup vs Fulham – Predicted XI
Liverpool defeated Arsenal in the FA Cup at the weekend and tonight, the Reds will collide against Fulham at Anfield in the first leg of the League Cup.

Last month, the Merseysiders won an exciting contest against the Cottagers 4-3 in the Premier League. Who will come out on top tonight?

As far as the team news is concerned, we can expect Jurgen Klopp to make five changes to the squad that started vs the Gunners at the Emirates.

Lijnders has already confirmed that Kelleher is the first choice goalie for the Carabao Cup and we can expect him to start in place of Alisson.

Captain, Virgil van Dijk, was ill against Arsenal and he is all set to return to the starting XI and should partner Konate in the central defense.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold out injured, Bradley would likely get the nod to feature in the right back position.

Joe Gomez has been rock solid in the left back role and he should make his 200th appearance for Liverpool tonight.
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In the midfield, Gravenberch could return in place of Mac Alister to partner Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.

As far as the attack is concerned, Diogo Jota should make his first start since returning from injury. The Portuguese could replace Gakpo.

Liverpool 4-3-3 starting XI vs Fulham: Kelleher – Bradley, Van Dijk, Konate, Gomez – Gravenberch, Elliott, Jones – Jota, Nunez, Diaz.



https://paisleygates.com/archives/49448

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Fulham player 'waiting for a winter change' – Chances of January wish being fulfilled aren't high
Fulham star Joao Palhinha is 'waiting for a winter change' but it's unlikely that will be to Bayern Munich.

That's according to Sky Germany, relayed by FCB Inside, who say the German champions have made it clear to him that he's not a target for now.

They explain that Palhinha has been a constant topic on Säbener Straße since he was on the verge of making the move in the summer before it collapsed at the last minute.

He's been linked with a transfer ever since but consistent reports from Germany have made it clear that Fulham are pricing them out of a move.

The hope had been that Fulham would allow him to leave for a fair price when he signed a new contract after the summer transfer window, but Marco Silva's side have instead remained steadfast and demanded a €65m fee.

Bayern don't want to pay that figure and Sky now report they're not planning any further with the 28-year-old, despite Palhinha's clear desire to move.

They explain that the Fulham star is 'waiting for a winter change' but Bayern won't be making a move, with those in charge in Bavaria having informed the midfielder that they have no plans to sign him.

They believe the current squad is well covered when it comes to defensive midfielders and the emergence of Aleksandar Pavlovic has only further added to their options.

Thus, they don't need to move, particularly at that price, and so the transfer saga around him doesn't seem to any closer to being concluded, even if he is keen for the move to Bavaria.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-waiting-winter-change-chances-january-wish-fulfilled-arent-high/

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Fulham consider eye-catching swoop for one of the EFL's brightest stars; Crystal Palace, West Ham pose threat
Fulham are considering joining the race for Peterborough defender Ronnie Edwards after sending scouts to watch him in action last weekend, TEAMtalk understands.

Fulham officials were in attendance at Peterborough's FA Cup clash with Leeds last Sunday to cast an eye over highly-rated centre-back Edwards.

The 20-year-old has caught the attention of a number of Premier League clubs in the last few transfer windows with the likes of Crystal Palace and West Ham keen admirers of his.

Fulham are in the market for defensive reinforcements, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Tosin Adarabioyo.

He is in the final six months of his contract at Craven Cottage and with the defender not close to signing a new deal, the West London club are weighing up moves for defensive reinforcements.

Tottenham have been linked with Adarabioyo in the past, while Bayern Munich are also reported to be admirers of his.

As a result, Fulham are looking to bring in a new defender this month to act as a long-term replacement for Adarabioyo.

On that front, Edwards is regarded as one of the best young players in the English Football League and Peterborough are resigned to losing him to enable him to play at a higher level.

The 20-year-old is entering the final 18 months of his contract at London Road and the League One club are prepared to sell for the right price in this month's transfer window.

Edwards has started all 25 of Peterborough's league games this season and he has made over 115 appearances for Posh since joining the club from Barnet in 2020.

He is also a regular in England's under-20s side and is touted to become a top, top player in the future.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/fulham-consider-swoop-efl-brightest-stars-crystal-palace-west-ham-threat