Thursday Fulham Stuff - 01/02/24...

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Manager responds as Wolves and Fulham continue pursuit of Armando Broja
Premier League transfer news latest on Deadline Day as Marco Silva responds to Fulham's interest in Wolves target and Chelsea striker Armando Broja.

Fulham manager Marco Silva has responded to his side's reported interest in Chelsea striker Armando Broja, who is wanted by fellow Premier League team Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Cottagers' head coach was reluctant to speak about a player from a different club but admitted the desperate need for a striker. It's no wonder as Fulham are still yet to properly fill the boots of Aleksandar Mitrović, who left for Saudi outfit Al-Hilal in the summer. Former Wolves favourite Raúl Jimenez has chipped in with five Premier League goals this season but there's still a noticeable void.

When asked during Thursday's press conference if Fulham would be signing a new striker before the deadline, Silva admitted: "Not just because Raúl is injured. From last summer, our squad lost as we sold a striker [Mitrović] for a big amount of money. The club is trying to do something. Let's see what can happen."

Although willing to acknowledge the hope for an attacking acquisition, Silva resisted speaking directly about Broja when asked about the Chelsea man. "I'm not going to make any comments on players and rumours. I will not talk about players from other clubs," Silva said.

As it stands, Fulham are still interested and reports have emerged contact was made with Chelsea last night. In the case of Wolves, meanwhile, Gary O'Neil's side are keen but not sold on the £5 million loan fee the Blues are requesting, especially considering it's for merely five months.



https://www.birminghamworld.uk/sport/football/wolves/premier-league-transfer-news-deadline-day-wolves-fulham-armando-broja-marco-silva-4501372

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Saïd Benrahma arrives in Lyon despite efforts from Fulham and Brentford to hijack deal
Despite last-minute interventions from Brentford FC and Fulham FC, Saïd Benrahma (28) has arrived in Lyon ahead of a move to Olympique Lyonnais, according to Santi Aouna. 

The two West London clubs had become increasingly active on deadline day to hijack the deal due to a delay in Lyon's attempts to sign Benrahma. Although Lyon and West Ham had agreed on a deal for the player, the Algerian international had yet to agree personal terms with the French club.

Benrahma returns to France
However, the player has now flown to Lyon where he is expected to take his medical in the next few hours before confirmation of a move is made public. This looks to be near the end of a transfer saga that has dragged on for the last few weeks.

Notwithstanding any further twists, it appears the ex-Brentford winger's time in England is over and he will once again return to Ligue 1 where he began his career for OGC Nice.



https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2024/said-benrahma-arrives-in-lyon-despite-efforts-from-fulham-and-brentford-to-hijack-deal/

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Fulham could now sign £35m Broja alternative on Deadline Day
Marco Silva will look to bring in a new attacker before the end of Deadline Day.

The remaining hours of Deadline Day are set to be extremely busy for Fulham.

It is known that Marco Silva is desperate to sign an attacker, with his team scoring just once in their last four matches.

Therefore, let's take a look at who could be on their way to Craven Cottage today.

Fulham's search for an attacker
According to Ed Aarons of the Guardian, writing on X, Fulham have begun talks with Lyon for Rayan Cherki.

The attacker only has 18 months left on his contract, which means a fee of around £35m could get the transfer sealed.

In the summer, competition will be extreme, which is why Fulham could make an early move before the deadline.

How Cherki would fit into the Fulham XI
Armando Broja has been the main name linked to Fulham over the last few days, with a potential loan move being lined up. However, Chelsea were originally demanding a loan with an obligation to buy, with a heavy fee attached to it. Since then, the Blues are willing to let the Albanian go on a straight loan, but it is rumoured that a £5m fee must be paid just until the end of the season.

Other than the fact that Fulham are desperate for a striker, spending on the 22-year-old makes very little sense, which is why they can forget about Broja and move for Cherki, who could be an extremely smart investment, despite costing seven times the amount of the Chelsea man.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig has previously labelled the 20-year-old as "world-class," but he has failed to inspire a poor Lyon side to success this season. The French club have lost 11 of their 19 Ligue 1 games, in which Cherki has started 15, and the lack of goal-scoring prowess in the final third has been alarming.

Nonetheless, let's take a look at Cherki's 2023/24 Ligue 1 statistics, which prove he would be an excellent signing for Fulham, while also comparing him to his positional peers.

Versatility is one of Cherki's biggest strengths, and the France U-21 star has played in multiple roles this season already, such as an attacking midfielder on both flanks and even as a false nine. However, the youngster is at his best when the ball is at his feet, using his untouchable dribbling and agile frame to glide past his opponent's while also having a direct approach to his game.

Cherki is also the definition of a creator, with his vision and ball progression providing a continuous threat. The Lyon ace would provide much more of a threat than his potential attacking midfield rival Andreas Pereira, who ranks in the bottom 55% and 86% for xA and successful take-ons, as per FBref.

As you can see, the wonderkid has all the attributes to become a Fulham icon, and Craven Cottage could be the best environment to enhance his development. Signing Cherki over Broja is a no-brainer.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-can-forget-about-broja-with-move-for-rayan-cherki/

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Fulham to make sensational £30m deadline day signing of Ligue 1 wonderkid
Fulham could make a major signing on transfer deadline day worth £30 million.

Fulham could make waves on January transfer deadline day, according to the Daily Mail - the Cottagers are reportedly lining up a massive £30 million bid for Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki before the window slams shut at 11pm GMT.

Cherki has been at Lyon since 2010, when he was just seven years of age. Since he made his debut for Les Gones back in 2019, he has made 102 for the club, scoring five goals in Ligue 1 along the way. Additionally, he was - and still is - a constant fixture of France's youth teams. Currently, he features for their U21 outfit, scoring an impressive 11 goals in 19 international games.

Cherki is also thought to be a target for David Moyes' West Ham United, but it seems the Hammers are not lining up a bid for him right now. Previously, he has also been linked with moves to Manchester United, Newcastle United and Chelsea - likewise, though, they all seem to have turned their attention elsewhere for now.

What would Rayan Cherki bring to Fulham?
A supremely gifted young attacking midfielder, Cherki's ball control and dribbling is second to none. Not only can he carry the ball forward in a progressive manner, he is also a very intelligent passer for a player of his age.

He hasn't had the most fruitful of campaigns in 2023/24 - so far, he has failed to score a goal in Ligue 1 over the course of 19 league appearances. He has, however, notched up a trio of assists in France's top division.

Of course, £30 million is a lot of money to pay for a talent who is untested in the Premier League. Nevertheless, if Cherki reaches his true potential at Craven Cottage, the deal (if completed) could be viewed as a massive bargain in retrospect.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-to-make-sensational-ps30m-deadline-day-signing-of-ligue-1-wonderkid-4501407

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Fulham Transfer Rumour Round-Up: Cherki, Broja, Ekitike

We've seen a few of these names already this month but as it's Deadline Day, Cam thought it'd be a good idea to cover the stories you'll definitely see flag up on your timelines before tonight's 11pm cut off. The clock's ticking, let's get down to business.

Rayan Cherki – Olympique Lyonnais

A report published by the Daily Mail suggests Fulham are prepared to smash their transfer record for Olympique Lyon's Rayan Cherki. Fulham forked out £25m for Jean Micheal Seri in 2018, then of OGC Nice, and as Lyon supposedly value Cherki at £30m-plus, the Whites will certainly have to break the bank if they're to secure the 20-year-old attacking midfielder from the Groupama Stadium.

Capable of playing both centrally and out wide, Cherki has been a highly useful component for Lyon since making his senior debut in 2019. However, as multiple managers haven't been able to get a tune out of the France U21 representative this term, a big-money move away from the struggling the Ligue 1 giants could very well happen before the window slams shut. Cherki's discipline and attitude has been scrutinised before now, as well as his fitness, but there's no doubting his underlying talent as he is sill regarded as one of France's brightest prospects.

Willian Jose – Real Betis

Transfer expert Aaron Domínguez is under the impression that Fulham could turn to Real Betis striker Willian Jose, if their attempts to land other prime targets fall flat, presumably. Having two Willian's at the club would be surreal, and the Brazilian striker isn't unfamiliar to the Premier League, as he joined Wolves on loan from Real Sociedad in January 2021.

A powerful option up top, the 32-year-old hasn't been in searing form this season for Betis (6 goals and an assist in 19 games), but he is a heavily experienced number nine and if push came to shove and we went in for him, I wouldn't be particularly upset because, as ever, he'll do a better job than two of the three strikers we already have on our books.

Sebastien Haller – Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund's Sebastien Haller – via The Athletic – has apparently turned down the opportunity to join Fulham on loan. The article states that the Whites enquired about Haller's availability on Wednesday, and though Dortmund granted permission for our recruitment team to talk to the player, the 29-year-old Ivory Coast international is not keen on a return to the Premier League.

West Ham United signed Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt for £45m in 2019 but his spell with the Hammers was chequered. He managed to score 10 goals in 48 outings and 18 months later, he jumped to Ajax, where he smashed home a whopping 47 goals in 66 games. However at the Signal Iduna Park, and after beating cancer, Haller hasn't established himself in Edin Terzic's blueprints so a departure from the Bundesliga cannot be too far away, anyway.

Chuba Akpom – Ajax

Although Ajax are supposedly reluctant to allow Chuba Akpom to leave in the coming hours, The Telegraph suggests that a number of Premier League teams are lining up for the former Arsenal striker and Fulham are amongst the gathering crowd.

Akpom was lured to the Johan Cruyff Arena from Middlesbrough just six months ago for a £10.5m fee and as he's performed excellently in an Ajax side that's underperformed dramatically, the 28-year-old is being watched intently, particularly by the Whites. Akpom has netted 9 goals in 20 appearances for the choking Dutch superpower, and it's thought the only way his employers would listen to offers is if they were substantial, and understandably so.

Armando Broja – Chelsea

This story seems to be developing at a serious rate of knots and as today's plot thickens, it's bound to change even further. Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has told GIVEMESPORT that Wolves are 'definitely' looking to acquire Chelsea's Armando Broja on loan before it gets too late but if they're to land the Albanian striker, it's likely they'll have to stump up £4m in loan fees. That is a weighty figure for three-and-a-half months worth of football, and as Fulham are also said to be tailing the 22-year-old, it all seemingly hinges on who can meet the Blues' unrealistic demands.

Chelsea had previously slapped an eye-watering £50m price tag on Broja's bonce, they've since reduced it to £40m, which is still £20m too much, but if the Wolves or indeed the Whites can barter successfully with both club and player, he could be a more than worthy addition for either camp. Broja may only have recorded a goal and an assist in 13 games, but he is a proper handful of a striker that's still getting himself up to speed, following a ruptured ACL. Chelsea will have to get real, though, because their pie in the sky expectations aren't really feasible. We'll just have to see who's desperation cracks first.

Said Benrahma – West Ham United

A private jet was apparently organised to jet West Ham United's Said Benrahma to the south of France to tie-up a last-minute switch to Lyon, The Sun understood that Fulham were poised to scupper the Ligue 1 side's attempts to land the Algeria international from the Hammers but Fabrizio Romano has seemingly put that possibility to bed.

The world-renowned transfer expert states that West Ham have rebuffed a straight loan offer from Fulham for Benrahma, and as the 28-year-old is already in Lyon to finalise a temporary move that includes a £15m option to make it permanent in the summer, Fulham tardiness has ruined matters on this front almost indefinitely.

Hugo Ekitike – Paris Saint Germain

As Fulham are unsure on Chelsea's Armando Broja, the club have allegedly contacted Paris Saint Germain with the view to loaning in Hugo Ekitike, as per the Daily Mail. Ekitike is a France U21 striker and the Parisian juggernauts vale him at £30m, but that figure will not have to be honoured if he's to depart on a temporary basis, obviously.

The 21-year-old joined PSG from Stade Reims for £24m last summer but he has only featured once for Luis Enrique's side until now. While he's definitely out of favour at the Parc des Princes currently, Ekitike is still undoubtedly a youngster to look out for and all he requires is regular game time. The Whites' strike force could do with an attacker with fresh hunger, but will it be Ekitike, Broja or neither? Nothing is set in stone.

Silas Katompo Mvumpa – VfB Stuttgart

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg – disclosed via Bundesliga Updates on X – has revealed that Fulham have allegedly lodged a loan offer for Stuttgart winger Silas, with a €15m option to buy also being included. The Whites are said to be in talks with the player's agent, Mehmet Eser, and it's thought the DR Congo international is open to the prospect of plying his trade in SW6.

As it is extremely late on in the window, though, Stuttgart are unlikely to accept any offer for the 25-year-old, reasonable or not. Silas plays predominantly on the right, and he has 3 goals and 3 assists for the Bundesliga outfit this season. He is on international duty at AFCON, DR Congo take on Guinea in the quarter finals tomorrow so it could be a game of intrigue for Fulham fans, if we can persuade Die Roten to sell.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-02-01-fulham-transfer-rumour-round-up-cherki-broja-ekitike/

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Marco Silva drops 'important' hint on £50m transfer amid double injury blow
Fulham and Wolves are chasing a deal for Chelsea striker Armando Broja.

Fulham manager Marco Silva has confirmed that Raul Jimenez and Issa Diop have both sustained hamstring injuries and are set to miss 'weeks' of action. The news heaps pressure on reports that the club are weighing up a move for £50 million forward Armando Broja.

Mexican talisman Jimenez was substituted at half-time against Everton on Tuesday night with centre-back Diop being taken off in the second half. After the match, Silva confirmed that those changes were enforced but had little more to say about the players' conditions.

In his press conference on Thursday, the Fulham boss confirmed: "Diop will for sure miss the next game. It's the same for Raul Jimenez. It's a hamstring injury. Let's see how long it will be. It's too early to say how many weeks it's going to be but it's not going to be quick."

Silva went on to be quizzed about potential incomings at Fulham on Deadline Day, having lamented a lack of early action in the window ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final and FA Cup clash with Newcastle United earlier this week. Fulham are said to be negotiating with Chelsea on a deal for forward Broja, with Wolves an alternative destination for the star.

With Jimenez now out of action, the pressure on Fulham to bring in a striker increases. Silva said: "Am I looking excited? It's Deadline Day, we are preparing for the Burnley game and this is the most important thing of course. The club is trying to do something. Let's see.

"Not just because Raul got injured, from last summer, we sold a striker for a big amount of money and were not able to replace him. We are maybe not able to sign another one. That is the reality. It is not just because Raul got injured - it was important last time and as important from the start of the window.

"I'm not going to make any comments on players [Broja] or rumours. It's not necessary. I'm here to talk about our players and the most important thing is the game against Burnley. I understand the questions. It's a situation I don't want to talk about. I'm not involved in these situations."

The Daily Mail reports that talks are underway between Fulham and Chelsea over Broja, but that the Blues' valuation of £50 million is proving a sticking point. Even a loan deal this month is expected to include an obligation to buy this summer.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/marco-silva-drops-important-hint-on-ps50m-transfer-amid-double-injury-blow-4501471

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West Ham reject late Fulham approach for Said Benrahma
Fulham have seen a loan bid for West Ham United winger Said Benrahma rejected at Craven Cottage.

    Fulham's loan approach for West Ham United winger Said Benrahma has been rejected, and he is now in Lyon finalising a loan deal to sign for the Ligue 1 outfit.
    Benrahma has struggled for gametime under David Moyes and his recent red card may have sealed his exit from the London Stadium.
    Despite earlier reports of Benrahma being undecided, he is now in France and expected to complete the loan move before the transfer window closes.

Fulham have seen a loan approach for West Ham United winger Said Benrahma rejected on Deadline Day, as transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirms the latest on a developing transfer saga.

Marco Silva has been looking to make an attacking addition in the final hours of the 2024 winter transfer window but has been thwarted in his attempts to acquire the Irons star's signature.

Benrahma unlikely to sign for Fulham with Lyon move on the cards
After a late loan bid from Fulham was rejected, Benrahma is currently in Lyon, where West Ham and the Ligue 1 outfit aim to finalise a loan deal until the end of the 2023/24 season.

The 28-year-old has struggled for regular gametime under David Moyes this season and won't be in the Scot's good books after being sent off in the Irons' 1-0 FA Cup Third Round replay defeat at Bristol City in January. The dismissal may well end up being Benrahma's final action in a West Ham shirt, with confirmation of a loan move to Lyon seemingly imminent.

Earlier on Deadline Day, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth told GIVEMESPORT that the Algeria winger was undecided about leaving the London Stadium for Lyon. But Romano has confirmed that Benrahma is in France, preparing to complete a loan move in the final hours of the 2024 winter transfer window, with the deal having a £15m option to buy the star. The Italian journalist reported on X:

"West Ham have rejected Fulham late approach for Saïd Benrahma — it was for straight loan. Benrahma, in Lyon to complete his move to OL in the final hours."

Alternative transfer Deadline Day deal options for Fulham
Fulham have been credited with interest in several targets as the transfer window's closure edges closer. According to Romano, Fulham are waiting for Chelsea to respond to their loan-to-buy offer for Chelsea striker Armando Broja.

The Cottagers are hoping to sign cover for Raul Jimenez, who came off injured in the west London outfit's 0-0 Premier League stalemate with Everton on 31st January. However, Fulham face competition, with Wolverhampton Wanderers also expressing an interest in signing Broja on loan until the end of the 2023/24 season.

Meanwhile, The Guardian journalist Ed Aarons has claimed that Fulham are in talks with Lyon over the potential signing of Rayan Cherki. The Ligue 1 outfit are expected to demand around £35m with 18 months remaining on the France U21 international's contract with the Ligue 1 outfit. The forward would offer cover on both flanks for Silva's side, hoping to retain their Premier League status at the end of the 2023/24 season at Craven Cottage.

Fulham return to action when they travel to Burnley on 3rd February before hosting AFC Bournemouth on the 10th. The Cottagers close out the month with difficult clashes against Aston Villa and Manchester United but will hope to generate enough points to pull clear of a Premier League relegation battle.



https://www.givemesport.com/west-ham-united-transfer-news-reject-fulham-approach-said-benrahma/

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Raul's recovery 'won't be quick,' says Silva
Raul Jimenez is likely to miss more than three weeks of Fulham action after suffering a hamstring injury in the goalless draw with Everton, head coach Marco Silva has confirmed this afternoon.

Silva refused to comment on the current state of play with the protracted move for Chelsea centre forward Armando Broja, but admitted that Fulham were 'trying to do something' in the dying hours of the transfer window. He insisted that Fulham's need for a striker was apparent well before Jimenez's injury on Wednesday – citing the club's failure to replace Aleksandar Mitrovic in the summer as a serious issue.

On Jimenez, Silva told his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's trip to Burnley:

It's a hamstring injury. Let's see how long it will be. It's too early to say how many weeks it's going to be but it's not going to be quick."

When asked about Fulham's search for a new striker, the Portuguese boss replied:

"It is not just because of Raul, but last summer we sold a striker for a big amount of money and were not able to replace him. Until now we have not been able to sign another one. It was important last summer and from the beginning of the window. I said three weeks ago that I expected a quiet window, I was speaking about a financial point of view and feedback from the club. It was not possible. One thing is what we need, and the other is what is possible. Sometimes they are not together. We are trying to reinforce our attack line, not just one position."

Silva also confirmed that Issa Diop – who also suffered a hamstring strain against Everton – Adam Traore and Harry Wilson will all miss Saturday's game at Turf Moor.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/02/rauls-recovery-wont-be-quick-says-silva/

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Fulham working on loan deal for DR Congo and Stuttgart star Silas Katompa Mvumpa with Marco Silva looking for alternatives to Armando Broja

    Fulham are looking to bolster their attacking options before deadline day
    Silas Katompa Mvumpa is currently on AFCON duty with DR Congo

Fulham have made an approach to sign Stuttgart's versatile forward Silas Katompa Mvumpa on loan.

The DR Congo international can play as a right winger and as a striker and has scored five goals in all competitions this season.

Silas joined the Bundesliga outfit in the summer of 2019 for around £7million from French second division side Paris FC and has made 120 appearances, scoring 33 goals.

The 25-year-old is currently still on Africa Cup of Nations duty with DR Congo after they beat Egypt on penalties to reach the quarter-finals.

Silas scored in The Leopards' 1-1 draw against Morocco earlier in the tournament.


Fulham have made an approach to sign Stuttgart's versatile forward Silas Katompa Mvumpa
 

The 25-year-old scored against Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations last month

Fulham are also in talks with Paris Saint Germain over a loan move for French striker Hugo Ekitike.

The 21-year-old has emerged over the last 24 hours as an alternative target to Armando Broja, as Fulham are unwilling to pay the £5million loan fee being demanded by Chelsea.

Marco Silva's side have been pushing to land Broja during the january transfer window, with Chelsea having previously placed a £50m valuation on the Albanian forward.

Broja had also attracted interest from Wolves, who have been limited financially amid profit and sustainability restrictions.

The 22-year-old has scored twice in 19 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea this season.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13033689/Fulham-Silas-Katompa-Mvumpa-Marco-Silva.html

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3 key passes in 4 games: Playmaker-turned-destroyer Iwobi explains why he's not creating chances at AFCON
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has explained the reason behind his struggles of not creating enough chances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations amid widespread criticism.

The 27-year-old has been heavily criticized particularly on social media for his lack of creativity at AFCON with some questioning his role in the team.

The Hale End academy product has started all but one game since the start of the competition and has been played alongside Frank Onyeka in the central midfield.

Besides the opening encounter against Equatorial Guinea, he has been asked to play a deeper role in José Peseiro's 3-4-3 formation which has impacted his contribution in the attacking third.

Of the four matches he has played in, Iwobi has totaled three key passes, including two in the 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea where he was tasked with playmaking duties.

Speaking in the pre-match conference ahead of the quarterfinal clash with Angola,  Iwobi explained the reason behind his lack of creativity in the tournament.

"I have been told to manage the ball & keep the ball for my team," Iwobi said to reporters.

"I mean you don't really need much from me when you have creative players up front. There is Victor, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Simon Moses, there is a lot of creativity going on up front.

"The role me and Frank and were told to do is to control the game as much as we can but first and foremost  defend as a team.

"So whether it is me creating or not, there are other quality players that can do the job. So, I am trying to do my job for the team, and like I said I would do anything to help the team. That is why I am here."

The former Everton midfielder could have gotten himself on the scoresheet in the victory over Cameroon but fluffed his lines and will be hoping that doesn't repeat itself in tomorrow's clash if an opportunity comes his way.

With his participation in the pre-match press conference, he will likely be involved in some capacity against the Black Sable antelopes.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid




https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=50317

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Fulham 'turn attention to Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike'
Fulham have reportedly identified Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike as a potential deadline-day signing.

Having sold Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al-Hilal during the summer, Marco Silva has been keen to bring in a new striker before close of business in the current transfer window.

The Cottagers had already been attempting to sign Chelsea's Armando Broja before first-choice frontman Raul Jimenez suffered an injury during the goalless draw against Everton on Tuesday night.

However, Fulham have struggled to reach a compromise with their West London neighbours, initially over a permanent deal even with Chelsea allegedly reducing their asking price from £50m to £35m.

A straight loan will only materialise if Fulham choose to pay a £5m fee, something which appears unlikely with the club's board having chosen not to accept such terms at this stage.

As a result, there is increasingly urgency to find a different solution elsewhere at a time when backup duo Carlos Vinicius and Rodrigo Muniz have contributed just two goals between them in the Premier League during 2023-24.

According to the Daily Mail, Ekitike is viewed as a suitable alternative to the Albania international.

Ekitike has been restricted to just one brief substitute outing by Luis Enrique at the start of the season, and PSG are eager to do business for the versatile attacker.

A number of clubs have been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old in recent weeks, including the likes of Wolfsburg who appeared close to getting a deal over the line at one stage.

Nevertheless, a loan transfer failed to materialise, with the former Newcastle United target remaining on the market with just hours to go before close of business.

The report specifics that playing time for Ekitike is PSG's priority, rather than haggling over a loan fee like Chelsea have with Broja.

RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins adds that Eintracht Frankfurt are also keen on the ex-Reims man.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/chelsea/transfer-talk/news/fulham-turn-attention-to-psg-forward-ekitike_535612.html?newsnow

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Blow for Fulham as club 'have rejected' offer from Craven Cottage – Player 'will stay' after talks with agent
Fulham have reportedly failed in their attempt to get Silas signed from Stuttgart.

According to Sky Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Bundesliga side 'have rejected' the latest offer made by the Craven Cottage side.

It seems there's no chance of a turnaround, as it's claimed that Silas 'will stay' at Stuttgart for the rest of the season.

Plettenberg writes that club boss Fabian Wohlgemuth and agent Mehmet Eser took the decision about his stay 'a few minutes ago'.

It had been the very same reporter who, earlier today, revealed that Fulham were attempting to sign Silas.

It was said the Whites were pushing for a loan until the end of the season, then an obligation to buy the player for around €15m.

It now seems that wasn't near enough to convince Stuttgart, as the club rejected the offer right away and they're not even negotiating for a different type of deal.

Fulham seem to be keen on making some late additions for the rest of the season, and it's always hard to negotiate with so little time left.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/blow-fulham-club-rejected-offer-craven-cottage-player-will-stay-talks-agent/

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Club And Player Decide To Reject Fulham Offer
Fulham target Silas held a discussion with VfB Stuttgart and together they have decided to reject the idea of a move to Craven Cottage.

Marco Silva is determined to beef up his forward options and Fulham have been active on transfer deadline day to bring in a winger.

Stuttgart' 25-year-old winger is on Fulham's transfer wish list and they are keen on signing him.

Fulham have been in contact with Stuttgart and they are ready to sign the player on a loan deal.

And Silva's side are ready to add an option to buy clause to the deal set at €15m, which could turn into an obligation at the end of the season.

However, the move will not happen as, according to Sky Deutschland, Silas has held talks with Stuttgart and both parties are on the same page.

Club and player have decided that parting ways now is not the best thing and the offer from Fulham will not be accepted.

The London outfit have already failed to land West Ham forward Said Benrahma with a late approach on the deadline day.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/02/01/club-and-player-decide-to-reject-fulham-offer/635370/

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Fulham table bid to sign Silas Katompa Mvumpa

Fulham will reportedly look to complete a loan move to sign Silas Katompa Mvumpa after making an offer to sign the 25-year-old.
According to reputed German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Silas Katompa Mvumpa is the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers have already submitted their offer to sign the 25-year-old. They want to secure his services on an initial loan deal, with the VfB Stuttgart winger keen on sealing the move.

Who is Silas Katompa Mvumpa?
Silas Katompa Mvumpa has had an intriguing life thus far. A native of Kinshasa, the DR Congo international spent most of his formative years in France and graduated from the Olympique Ales youth division. But he has risen in prominence since joining Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart, where he came into the limelight for the wrong reasons.

Mvumpa's name was Silas Wamangituka when he joined VfB Stuttgart in August 2019. But his real name emerged late, with the Bundesliga club revealing he fell victim to the machinations of his former agent. Meanwhile, the 25-year-old has enjoyed a solid 2023/24 season thus far, chipping in with five goals and four assists in 19 appearances.

A Man in Demand
With Silas Katompa Mvumpa gaining prominence for the right reasons, interest in his services has risen. The report by Florian Plettenberg has revealed that he is a target for Fulham. And the Cottagers have already submitted a bid to sign him on loan for the remainder of the season. The deal will also include a mandatory purchase clause worth €15 million.

Fulham's interest in Mvumpa is understandable. The Cottagers have been in the market for an offensive reinforcement in the winter transfer window. They have been busy on Deadline Day approaching several players but have failed with moves for Sebastien Haller, Said Benrahma, and Rayan Cherki.

While the Cottagers remain hell-bent on signing Armando Broja from Chelsea, they also want a wide attacker. Silas Katompa Mvumpa is thus a viable target for Fulham. The 25-year-old VfB Stuttgart winger is eager to join Fulham but is waiting for the Bundesliga club to approve the transfer.

The West London club must thus play the waiting game as the hours count down in the winter transfer window. It will be interesting to see if the DR Congo international joins Fulham before the deadline.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/02/01/fulham-table-bid-to-sign-silas-katompa-mvumpa/

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Fulham's midfielder to join Danish side on loan

Fulham midfielder Tyrese Francois is set to complete a loan move to Danish side Vejle Boldklub until the end of the season.

The Australian 23-year-old has been included in the Fulham's squad in recent months but has made only a handful of brief appearances off the bench.

Francois spent time with Croatian outfit HNK Gorica last season but the spell was curtailed prematurely due to injury.

Fulham boss Marco Silva said the club are still hoping to bring in a winger or a striker before tonight's transfer window closes but hopes off striking a deal with Chelsea are fading with the club unwilling to pay the £5 million loan fee the Blues are demanding.

"We are preparing for the Burnley game on Saturday and that is the most important thing," Silva said.

"We are hoping to do something but let's see what can happen."

Silva also confirmed Raul Jimenez and Issa Diop will miss the trip to Turf Moor due to hamstring injuries with Harry Wilson also out with a shoulder injury.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulhams-midfielder-to-join-danish-side-on-loan

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Fulham 'in talks' to sign 33-goal Bundesliga forward as Marco Silva eyes alternative to Chelsea star
Fulham are reportedly in talks over a deal to sign Stuttgart forward Silas Katompa Mvumpa on loan as an alternative to Chelsea's Armando Broja.

Marco Silva is keen to bring in a new attacker to provide competition for Raul Jimenez but the Cottagers are running out of time to secure a deal.

As revealed by TEAMtalk, Fulham are interested in signing Broja on loan but Chelsea's demand for a £5m loan fee has made negotiations difficult.

Broja's potential exit would also leave Mauricio Pochettino very little time to bring in a striker to replace him.

As a result, Fulham are now scouring the market for alternatives and have reportedly identified Silas as an option.

The DR Congo international can play as a striker or as a right winger. He has scored five goals in all competitions this season.

Silas signed for Stuttgart outfit in the summer of 2019 for around £7m from French second-division side Paris FC and has gone on to make 120 appearances, scoring 33 goals in total.

The 25-year-old is currently on international duty in the Africa Cup of Nations and has played a key role in DR Congo reaching the quarter-finals.

The Daily Mail claim that Fulham are 'working on a loan deal' for Silas, but he isn't the only attacker other than Broja they have their eye on.

The report notes that they are also 'in talks with Paris Saint-Germain' over a loan for striker Hugo Ekitike, who is keen to join a Premier League club this month.

With that in mind, Fulham are definitely a team to keep an eye on before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm tonight.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/fulham-in-talks-to-sign-33-goal-bundesliga-forward-as-marco-silva-eyes-alternative-to-chelsea-star

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Silas Katompa Mvumpa TURNS DOWN Fulham loan deal after Marco Silva's side had targeted the Stuttgart striker... as Cottagers continue to be frustrated in pursuit for attacking reinforcements

    Fulham are looking to strengthen their attacking options on deadline day

Stuttgart striker Silas Katompa Mvumpa looks to have turned down a proposed loan move to Fulham.

Fulham had made an approach to sign the versatile forward earlier on deadline day as they continue to look for attacking reinforcements.

The DR Congo international can play as a right winger and as a striker and has scored five goals in all competitions this season.

Silas joined the Bundesliga outfit in the summer of 2019 for around £7million from French second division side Paris FC and has made 120 appearances, scoring 33 goals.

The 25-year-old is currently still on Africa Cup of Nations duty with DR Congo after they beat Egypt on penalties to reach the quarter-finals.

Silas scored in The Leopards' 1-1 draw against Morocco earlier in the tournament.

Fulham are also in talks with Paris Saint Germain over a loan move for French striker Hugo Ekitike.

The 21-year-old has emerged over the last 24 hours as an alternative target to Armando Broja, as Fulham are unwilling to pay the £5million loan fee being demanded by Chelsea.

Marco Silva's side have been pushing to land Broja during the January transfer window, with Chelsea having previously placed a £50m valuation on the Albanian forward.

Broja had also attracted interest from Wolves, who have been limited financially amid profit and sustainability restrictions.

The 22-year-old has scored twice in 19 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea this season.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13034131/Silas-Katompa-Mvumpa-Fulham-loan-Marco-Silva-Stuttgart-Cottages.html

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Romano confirms West Ham have turned down an offer from Premier League club for Said Benrahma
West Ham United have turned down a last-minute proposal from Fulham for their key attacker, Said Benrahma.

It was reported earlier today that the Cottagers were trying hard to hijack Lyon's deal for the 28-year-old.

Despite arranging a private jet and a medical in France, there were uncertainties in the final moments as Fulham sought to steal the deal.

However, it now appears that Benrahma is set for a move to Lyon.

Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the situation via X, confirming that West Ham rejected Fulham's late attempt for a straight loan deal.

Romano added that Benrahma is presently in Lyon, preparing to complete his transfer to Lyon in the closing hours of the transfer window.

He stated:

"West Ham have rejected Fulham late approach for Saïd Benrahma — it was for straight loan.

Benrahma, in Lyon to complete his move to OL in the final hours."

He joined West Ham on loan from Brentford in October 2020, before completing a permanent transfer in January 2021.

In his brief stint at the club, Benrahma made 155 appearances, scoring 24 goals and assisting 19.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/02/01/romano-confirms-west-ham-have-turned-down-an-offer-from-premier-league-club-for-said-benrahma/

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Fulham have "opened talks" to sign "unbelievable" £35m new star for Silva
This would be a major coup for the Cottagers.

Whilst Fulham are yet to complete their first move of the January transfer window, they still have a number of hours to welcome some crucial reinforcements for Marco Silva. With that said, reports suggest that the Cottagers are going all or nothing in the final stages.

Fulham transfer news
Still looking to cement their place in the Premier League's mid-table, Fulham could still add that extra bit of quality that they currently lack at times, sitting 12th and just seven points clear of the relegation zone.

It could be argued that they still haven't replaced Aleksandar Mitrovic, who left for Al-Hilal in the summer transfer window. Summer arrival Raul Jimenez has only shown glimpses of what he's capable of and there's still questions over his out-and-out goalscoring ability, having found the back of the net just five times in the Premier League so far this season.

Solving that problem could yet be Armando Broja, who will now reportedly be allowed to leave Chelsea on loan in what is a late u-turn from those at Stamford Bridge. If Fulham do sign a striker, however, they will need a creator to match. And that could yet come in the form of a Ligue 1 star. According to Ed Aarons, Fulham have opened talks to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon, who value their midfielder at £35m.

With Lyon reportedly set to sign West Ham United's Said Benrahma, they could certainly do with raising funds and there may be no better way to do so than by selling Cherki to Fulham before the deadline arrives. According to Jack Rosser of The Sun though, the Cottagers have seen their proposal of a loan with an option to buy knocked back by Lyon, leaving a deal unlikely unless they can stump up a more immediate fee.

"Unbelievable" Cherki would be instant upgrade on Pereira
Since Mitrovic's departure, Fulham have lacked star power, and that's something that Cherki can provide in abundance. Still only 20-years-old, the attacking midfielder has been unfortunate enough to be part of a struggling Lyon side in Ligue 1 this season but could rediscover his best form with a move to Craven Cottage under Silva. Cherki's stats certainly show that he'd be an upgrade on Andreas Pereira.

Domestic League 2023/24	Rayan Cherki	Andreas Pereira
Progressive Carries	59	36
Progressive Passes	85	67
Take-ons Completed	43	13
Goals	0	1
Assists	3	4

Based on the numbers, Cherki's output is only likely to increase in a better-performing side, which may well turn out to be Fulham. It's no surprise that former France international Frank Leboeuf previously had nothing but good things to say about the midfielder when speaking to ESPN.

Leboeuf said: "Skill-wise, one of the best players already on earth. He's unbelievable for a 19-year-old. The guy can do everything. But he's young and still has to improve. He needs to learn when he has to get rid of the ball, it's always half a second too early or half a second too late. It's that rhythm that he needs to learn."



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-transfer-news-opened-talks-to-sign-rayan-cherki/