Monday Fulham Stuff - 22/01/24...

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Results

Sunday 21/01
Sheff Utd	2-2	West Ham
Bournemouth	0-4	Liverpool

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Fulham and West Ham rejected by player – Only one destination in his mind
It now seems that Fulham and West Ham United are really missing out in their reported chase for Atlético Madrid defender Çağlar Söyüncü.

While Fenerbahçe stand in the lead to get him signed, Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu brings some fresh news on the 27-year-old's saga.

This time, he brings a list of all the clubs the centre-back rejected this month. That includes AC Milan, Porto, AS Roma, Fulham and West Ham.

It pretty much looks like Söyüncü hadn't been keen to join any other league but the Turkish Super Lig, where Fenerbahçe are said to be in advanced talks to take him from Atlético Madrid.

Fulham and West Ham may have had the Premier League factor as an argument to win the race for him, but that's apparently not enough to attract the Turkish defender.

As we edge closer to the end of the transfer window, there's no certainty of his move to Fenerbahçe, though, with reports from Spain claiming Atlético Madrid are now blocking his exit.

Other outlets say the transfer is nearly done, so it shouldn't take long to find out who is correct.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-west-ham-rejected-player-one-destination-mind/

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"I'm sure he prefers..." - Birmingham City boss Tony Mowbray discusses Jay Stansfield future
Stansfield netted again in Birmingham's 2-1 victory at Stoke on Saturday

    Jay Stansfield has become a fan favorite at Birmingham City and continues to impress with his performances.
    Tony Mowbray, the manager, believes Stansfield should prioritize playing time and showcasing his talent instead of a bit-part role at parent club Fulham.
    Stansfield's future at Birmingham City will ultimately depend on Fulham's decision, but Mowbray hopes that they can secure him permanently if the opportunity arises.

Tony Mowbray's unbeaten start to life as Birmingham City manager continued this weekend with the Blues' first win in the Championship since December 13th, as his side emerged 2-1 victors away to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.

After drawing his first game in charge 2-2 against Swansea City, Blues backed up a comeback victory in the FA Cup Third Round replay against Hull City to extend a four-game unbeaten streak when it comes to clashes between them and the Potters at the Bet365 Stadium.

In a season of mixed fortunes for all connected with the club, one man who has emerged as the latest fan favourite with Birmingham supporters has been Fulham loanee Jay Stansfield, whose development continues to reach profound levels in what is still his first season of regular football in the second tier.

And, since Mowbray's arrival, the former Exeter City prospect has continued to be front and centre of all things good at St Andrew's - scoring the equaliser in the cup replay just minutes after coming on as a substitute, before clinically firing home his eighth league goal of the season to give Blues the lead against Steven Schumacher's improved outfit.

Tony Mowbray makes claim on Jay Stansfield's future with Birmingham City
Stansfield was one of twelve new signings in the previous window under then boss John Eustace, and continued to be a beacon of light during a period where the side suffered on multiple occasions under Mowbray's predecessor, Wayne Rooney.

Unsurprisingly, the 21-year-old has made an instant impression on the new man at the helm, who is hopeful that the opportunity presented in front of him to play a significant role for Birmingham is more enticing than a bit-part role at parent club Fulham.

"I talk to him most days, he is really enjoying his football and he's scoring goals," Mowbray told Birmingham Live.

"Would he want to go back and get 10 minutes here and there, and sit on the bench? In my opinion, a young player should want to play, and want to score, and want to showcase his talent.

If they do call him back we can't do anything about it. I'm not anticipating it. Let's just enjoy him while we've got him," he continued.

"I think we should definitely be in the market for (Stansfield) if there's a number where he could definitely come and play here. I think he enjoys it that much.

"He would want to play in the Premier League if he thought he was going to play in the Premier League, but I'm pretty sure he doesn't want to go and sit on the bench, I'm sure he much prefers playing in the Championship and scoring goals. It's not our decision, it's Fulham's decision, but I know he's enjoying it."

Jay Stansfield's future at Birmingham City
St Andrew's has been the perfect setting for Stansfield to continue blossoming in the infancy of his career, which many believe could reach great heights should his upward trajectory continue at such speed.

It was claimed last week that Ipswich Town remained hopeful of prizing the forward to Portman Road amid their ongoing battle for promotion, but such talk has since gone quiet.

With his contract at Craven Cottage expiring in 2027, the ball is firmly in Marco Silva's court when it comes to Stansfield's next move, so Mowbray's comments of "let's just enjoy him while we've got him" are extremely realistic.

Of course, all Bluenoses and club staff would jump at the prospect of acquiring his services on a temporary basis, but it would seem that a significant fee would be needed in order to do so.

Regardless, the forward still has a crucial role to play in Mowbray's aims of making the side much more progressive on the pitch and in the table.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/im-sure-he-prefers-tony-mowbray-makes-hopeful-jay-stansfield-birmingham-city-claim/

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Chelsea open to £35 million loan-to-buy deal for Armando Broja amid Fulham links

Chelsea striker Armando Broja has been linked with a move away from the club this month, with Fulham keen on signing him.
A report from The Sun has claimed that Fulham and Wolves are keen on signing Armando Broja. Chelsea are prepared to let the 22-year-old leave on loan as long as there is an obligation to buy him for a fee of around £35 million at the end of the season.

Armando Broja Reaching the End of the Line at Chelsea?
The Albanian international does not have a future at Stamford Bridge, and it makes sense for him to move on in search of regular playing time. He would get more opportunities at Fulham and Wolves. He needs to play regularly at this stage of his career to continue his development and fulfil his potential.

Broja has scored just once in the league for Chelsea this season, and the Blues clearly need to bring in a better striker. They signed Nicolas Jackson to solve their goalscoring problems in the summer transfer window. But the former Villarreal striker has not been able to live up to the expectations either.

Chelsea are likely to invest in a top-class striker at the end of the season, and Broja will fall further down the pecking order. Recent reports have claimed that the 22-year-old might decide to move on this month.

Broja in Demand
Fulham need to bring in attacking reinforcements especially with the way Raul Jimenez has performed this season. The former Wolves striker has not been at his best, and the Londoners need to bring in more depth in that position.

Broja has previously shown his quality with regular football at Southampton, and he could develop into a quality player for Fulham with regular game time. Similarly, Wolves need more depth in the attack as well, and the 22-year-old could be a long term investment for them.

The Albanian international recently recovered from a long-term injury, and he needs regular game time to rebuild his form and confidence. An exit from Chelsea is the need of the hour, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up eventually.

While the reported £35 million asking price could come across as a steep demand, the 22-year-old striker is quite young, and he has plenty of time to justify that investment in the coming seasons.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/01/21/chelsea-open-to-35-million-loan-to-buy-deal-for-armando-broja-amid-fulham-links/

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Latest Newcastle United injury news as nine set to miss Fulham cup clash amid Eddie Howe dilemma
Latest Newcastle United injury news as the Magpies' travelling party will be a good few men short come next weekend

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will be hoping that his side avoid any more setbacks in the run-up to their FA Cup fourth round clash against Fulham, with up to nine stars set to miss out on the tie.

The latest in their long line of issues is midfielder Joelinton, who could be out for the remainder of the season after he picked up a tendon injury in the Magpies' third round 3-0 win in the Wear-Tyne derby over Sunderland earlier this month. Howe admitted that the star would be out for at least six weeks but there are worries his side might have to dip into the January transfer market to find a short-term replacement for the Brazilian.

Following more tests, there are suggestions that the 27-year-old could require surgery to fix the issue which would leave Newcastle and Howe without their midfield enforcer in an already-perilous position in the Premier League table. Earlier this season, Howe said: "It's an injury that will see him miss a minimum of six weeks.

"It's a real blow for us as he's a key player. He's had a stop-start season, unfortunately. He was so consistent last year but he's had a few different problems [this season]. We have nobody immediately coming back but there is nobody like Joelinton. So this is a big one."

It might not be totally bad news however, with both Tino Livramento and Jacob Murphy set to return from their respective issues ahead of the trip down to Craven Cottage. Livramento was not included in the squad that suffered a 3-2 defeat to Manchester City last week through illness but should be good to go and will be hoping for his first FA Cup start of the season.

Murphy, on the other hand, has been confirmed to be back in training, although Howe did confirm it was on a non-contact basis. That was, however, over a week ago and the star could make his return next weekend from the shoulder injury he picked up against Borussia Dortmund last year.

With transfer rumours swirling around him and a move to the Saudi Pro League or La Liga in January, the FA Cup clash against Fulham could be Callum Wilson's last hurrah in a Newcastle United shirt if he manages to recover from his current calf injury in time but he's more likely to feature against Aston Villa at the end of the month with an exit unlikely. Elsewhere, supporters will be hopeful that Harvey Barnes can make his first appearance since September but the 26-year-old's involvement is a doubt with his foot injury causing another setback in mid December.

There was hopeful news for a return for the winger soon though, when Howe cautiously claimed he was getting 'closer' to a comeback earlier this month. He said: "Harvey is getting closer. He hasn't been training with the group, but he's been running on the grass with his boots back on and he's been kicking balls around. We're pleased with his progress currently, but he still has a long way to go."

Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson are both unlikely to feature in the squad, with the youth academy product yet to kick a ball since suffering a back injury in October while Willock endured a setback with his Achilles injury after last appearing in the 2-0 loss at AFC Bournemouth in mid November.

"No, they're not expected back any time soon," Howe confirmed earlier this month. "I think Elliot is continuing his rehab from a stress fracture in his back, which is a difficult injury to manage for him.

"He's not been very active for a long period of time - he's trying to let his back heal. He has another scan next week so hopefully that will give us good news and he can start to build up his work. With Joe Willock, he's improving - he's building up the strength in his Achilles, he's looking better, but he's still not running."

Matt Targett is still recovering from his hamstring injury he suffered against Manchester United in December while goalkeeper Nick Pope is in a similar position after dislocating his shoulder in the same match. Sandro Tonali will also miss out through suspension after his 10-month ban for gambling offences.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/latest-newcastle-united-injury-news-28486015

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Antonio Nusa ready to join Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race for the services of the 18-year-old Chelsea and Fulham target Antonio Nusa.
According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur are keen on acquiring the services of Antonio Nusa. The 18-year-old winger has been doing wonders for Club Brugge in the Belgian top flight and his impressive performances haven't gone unnoticed.

Nusa came up the ranks at Stabaek before making a move to the Belgian club in the summer of 2021. The teenager has since gone from strength to strength and of late, he has been quite an important first-team player. In the ongoing season, he has been involved in 27 matches and has contributed towards seven goals.

His impressive performances have already made him a regular for Norway at the international level and it has resulted in interest from Chelsea, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. The Blues have targeted young players with huge potential since their takeover and Nusa seems to be an ideal fit for their plan.

As far as Fulham are concerned, they have been monitoring the teenager and feel investing in him could help them in the long run. The Cottagers do need attacking reinforcement and Nusa will surely add a lot of quality to their ranks.

While the Blues and the Cottagers are keen, they are behind Tottenham in the race for his services. Spurs want more depth in their attack and they are looking to sign a young player who can help them in the wide areas. The London club have been targeting players under 24, players who have huge potential and Nusa is certainly the kind of player they want.

And, according to reports they have been working hard to seal a £25 million January move for the 18-year-old. They seem to have taken the lead by offering the player the opportunity to stay at the Belgian club until the end of the season.

Nusa was keen on staying in the home country for the second half of the season. Spurs moved quickly with an offer and decided to meet his demands. As a result, they have the green light from the player for a potential transfer as he is keen on joining them. And, they seem all set to complete the move before the end of the window.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/01/22/antonio-nusa-ready-to-join-tottenham/

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Newcastle United duo unavailable v Fulham due to FA Cup rule & transfer decision
Newcastle United will be without two recently returning players at Fulham this weekend.

Newcastle United travel to Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round this Saturday (7pm kick-off).

The Magpies head to Craven Cottage with a depleted squad with the likes of Joelinton, Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes ruled out while Callum Wilson and Jacob Murphy are doubts. Due to the injury situation, Newcastle have welcomed youngsters Max Thompson and Joe White back from their respective loan spells at Northampton Town and Crewe Alexandra to help bolster the first-team squad.

Both goalkeeper Thompson and midfielder White enjoyed successful half-season loan spells and have returned to Tyneside for further assessment in a first-team environment. But neither player will be involved in the squad to face Fulham this weekend.

Both players are cup-tied having featured in the earlier rounds of the competition whilst on loan. Thompson started in goal for Northampton in a 3-1 first-round defeat against Barrow while White has three FA Cup appearances under his belt so far this season. He started for Crewe in the 2-2 draw and 3-1 replay win over Derby County in the first round as well as the 4-2 defeat to Bristol Rovers in the second.

FA Cup rules prevent players from representing two clubs in the competition in the same season. While Thompson was unlikely to get into the side ahead of goalkeepers Mark Gillespie, Loris Karius and Martin Dubravka, White may have had an opportunity due to a lack of options in midfield for The Magpies.

Joelinton has recently been ruled out for the remainder of the season while Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson are still weeks away from returning. As a result, White returns to Newcastle as fourth-choice central midfielder behind Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley.

Reflecting on White's return, Howe said: "It is [an opportunity for him]. We've decided to bring Joe back and we'll see where he's at in terms of his development.

"He's done very well, especially latterly in his loan so I'm really pleased with Joe. He's a really highly-talented player who had certain things to work on in his loan and he's gone away and he's played regularly and started to contribute goals and assists.

"We'll bring him back and see where his game is at and then make a decision based on that with what we do with him."



https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-united-duo-unavailable-v-fulham-due-to-fa-cup-rule-as-transfer-decisions-made-4486299