Friday Fulham Stuff - 30/08/24...

[WhiteJC]

Olyott heads to Walton and Hersham on loan
Fulham winger Tom Olyott has signed for Walton and Hersham on loan.

Teenage sensation Olyott enjoyed a fantastic campaign with Fulham's under 18s last term, scoring an incredible seventeen goals in 23 games. He has stepped up to under-21 football this term and will remain eligible for Hayden Mullins' side throughout his loan stint at the Elmbridge XCel Sports Hub.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/olyott-heads-to-walton-and-hersham-on-loan/

[WhiteJC]

Silva ready for 'unbelievable' Ipswich
Marco Silva has hailed Kieran McKenna and Ipswich Town for their 'unbelievable winning mentality' and warned his Fulham side to expect a serious examination at Portman Road on Saturday.

The newly-promoted outfit might have lost their first two top flight fixtures and gone out of the League Cup to League Two AFC Wimbledon last night, but the Fulham head coach insisted he would not be taking the challenge lightly ahead of the trip to East Anglia.

Silva told his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon:

"I expect a really tough game. They have an unbelievable winning mentality from the last two seasons. When you are promoted the way they were from League One to the Championship, and then Championship to the Premier League, I have to say that is unbelievable.

They've played two really tough games against Liverpool and Manchester City but the first game of the season was a really tough one for Liverpool; the way they played, the atmosphere. It was a solid start for them except for the result. They made life difficult for Liverpool and they started the game with the right intensity, mentality and doing everything to win the game. Since then, they have made very good signings that will probably be in the squad and maybe the starting eleven. It's another chance for them to play at home. The environment will be the same – really big support for the home side and it'll be a tough game.

They really trust in their philosophy and process. They've been really successful in the last two seasons and I think they will continue in the same way. We need to be at our best level to make life really difficult for them and we need to keep improving, because there is big room for us to improve in certain aspects of the game and we need to show that."

The Portuguese boss revealed that he feels more comfortable with the depth of his squad after watching Fulham's second string see off Birmingham on Tuesday night.

"We needed that game in the middle of the week. It's always tough when you change the [entire] eleven from one game to the other, but the individual quality was there from almost all of the players. It was a good test for us off the ball as they created different problems for us with the energy they played with. We were able to be solid, which was a good sign. It's good news to have all the players available.

Ryan [Sessegnon] is in a different situation. He needs these games to get in the right shape. It was amazing to see him play 95 minutes in the game. His connection with the fans is so crucial for him and it was great to see him on the pitch at the end with zero problems and training again today. Joachim [Andersen] doesn't need those types of games as he was playing at [Crystal] Palace. It was important for Jorge to get his first feeling of English football and Sander [Berge] needs minutes.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/silva-ready-for-unbelievable-ipswich/

[WhiteJC]

"Would be a disaster" - Middlesbrough demand issued over Fulham, Rav van den Berg transfer links
This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Fulham are reportedly taking a late interest in Middlesbrough defender Rav van den Berg, in what would deal a major blow to Boro's Premier League promotion hopes if he were to be sold.

 That's according to Football Transfers journalist Jacque Talbot, who has revealed that the Cottagers have been revealed to be keeping an eye on Middlesbrough's Dutch youth international.

Boro have had to fend off interest in the centre-back throughout the summer, with Tottenham being credited as holding a major interest in the 20-year-old, alongside numerous other unnamed Premier League clubs, and with just hours remaining of the transfer window, Michael Carrick will be desperate to keep hold of his key asset.

Middlesbrough: Rav van den Berg sale on deadline would be a "disaster"
 FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit, Phil Spencer, - Phil Spencer on YouTube - believes that losing Van den Berg in the closing stages of the window would mean Boro would have no chance of adequately replacing him, and details the fee it could take should Fulham make their reported interest concrete.

Spencer told Football League World: "It would be a disaster to lose Rav Van den Berg so close to the transfer deadline.

"Van den Berg is arguably Middlesbrough's prized asset at the moment and that means that he would take some replacing.

"Given how close to the deadline we are, there's no chance that Boro would be able to replace him at this stage – meaning that an exit is out of the question. We're also nursing a number of defensive injuries, meaning that the timing of a move away couldn't be worth.

Van Den Berg's 23/24 Middlesbrough stats (league only), per FotMob

Pass accuracy	Aerial duels won	Recoveries	Successful passes
88.9%	65.7%	166	1,664

 "Middlesbrough fans aren't naive enough to assume that we can keep Rav forever, but when he does leave it will be on the club's terms and for a fee that is befitting of his value to the team and club.

"I think it would take a fee north of £20million to convince Middlesbrough to sell, but that surely won't happen this summer so that Boro can get at least another season out of him."

Middlesbrough should be in no rush to sell Rav van den Berg
For many on Teesside, the consensus is that Middlesbrough Football Club is in its healthiest position, both on and off the pitch, in a very long time.

 That's largely been down to some excellent player recruitment from head of football Kieran Scott, Carrick and the entire recruitment team, with a clear transfer philosophy in place extracting some fantastic results.

Van den Berg has perhaps been their pièce de résistance, with the club beating a host of European heavyweights to the punch for his signature last summer.

But what Middlesbrough have really been nailing as well over the last few years is player sales. Djed Spence, Marcus Tavernier, Chuba Akpom and Morgan Rogers have netted Boro a combined fee that is around the £40m mark, potentially higher if add-ons and bonuses were met.

 As such, Boro's coffers should be as full as they've been in some time, and with a squad that many believe is ready to mount a serious challenge for promotion this season, selling a key determining factor in whether that is achievable at this stage of the window would be unthinkable.

It wouldn't appear to make much sense either, as the club have fought hard to rebuff multiple interested parties over the summer, to sell Van den Berg now with literal hours left to source a replacement, wouldn't appear to be overly logical.

And with Darragh Lenihan and Dael Fry still recovering from injury, and Van den Berg himself suffering from an ailment that's kept him out of the side in recent games too, Carrick is already light on the ground in central defence.

Therefore, Boro's chiefs should maintain their stance that they've made very clear all summer, either blow us away with an offer we simply can't turn down, or take your business elsewhere.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/middlesbrough-demand-issued-over-fulham-transfer-links-rav-van-den-berg/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham keen on Edon Zhegrova
Fulham's need for a winger ahead of deadline day could take them to France, where they are interested in LOSC Lille star Edon Zhegrova.

According to Football Insider, Fulham could target a deadline-day move for Edon Zhegrova. LOSC Lille are not showing signs of letting him leave and will certainly ask for a significant fee in return, as Marco Silva eyes a defender at this stage of the transfer window.

Fulham to make Edon Zhegrova move?
Fulham have had a good summer window so far, bringing in key reinforcements to enhance Marco Silva's squad. They also ended up losing vital players like Joao Palhinha, while their wide attacking areas have been weakened following the exits of Willian and Bobby de Cordova-Reid.

The latter joined Leicester City, while they hoped to agree a new deal for the former, but that has not materialised. Hence, Silva will seek a deadline day transfer of a new winger, as they are now keen on LOSC Lille star Edon Zhegrova.

The 25-year-old Ligue 1 attacker has been terrific since the start of this season, scoring three goals in four Champions League qualification games. Surprisingly, he hasn't featured in either of their two league games so far, and his current form has attracted the interest of Fulham ahead of deadline day.

With his contract not expiring until 2026, Lille are reluctant to lose him at this stage of the window and could ask for a significant fee to sell him. Whether Fulham are open to paying a lot of money to sign a player who has only had a modest record since joining the French giants remains to be seen. The deadline day on Friday will give a clear picture, as Silva also has eyes on other targets including Lyon's Ernest Nuamah.

Fulham's winger targets explored
Apart from Ligue 1 pair Zhegrova and Nuamah, there are strong links to Newcastle's Miguel Almiron. Silva also has eyes on some other players from different leagues as Girona's Viktor Tsygankov is a target. He could be achieved at a decent price, as the Spanish side have seen many of their key stars leave in what has been a window that has depleted the team from last season.

There are reports of interest in Arsenal's Reiss Nelson, with the Gunners still open to the idea of selling him if they can sign a replacement. Should they make a move for the 24-year-old, he could join former teammates Emile Smith-Rowe, Alex Iwobi and Bernd Leno at Craven Cottage.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/08/30/fulham-keen-on-edon-zhegrova/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham fancy Zhegrova
Fulham are considering making a late move for Lille's Kosovan winger Edon Zhegrova, according to various reports this evening.

Marco Silva has identified a wide man as his last possible addition before tomorrow night's deadline and Cottagers are exploring the potential of a permanent move for the 25 year-old wide man but any deal hinges on whether the Ligue 1 outfit are willing to let Zhergova leave after they reached the Champions' League group phase.

The German born right winger has made 90 appearances and scored 20 goals for Lille since signing from Basel in January 2022. He was named the Ligue 1 player of the month in March.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/fulham-fancy-zhegrova/

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal rival Fulham in Ernest Nuamah chase
Arsenal are reportedly interested in Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah ahead of deadline day, with Fulham also keeping close tabs on the attacker.

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal's search for a new winger ahead of deadline day may have brought them towards Lyon star Ernest Nuamah. The French side have not given any indication of their stance on the player, although with growing interest, including that of Fulham's, they will demand a significant fee.

Arsenal and Fulham are chasing Ernest Nuamah
Arsenal may have a squad good enough to challenge for the Premier League, but they might have a shortage in numbers in the attacking third. The Gunners have sold Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace, and some uncertainty around Gabriel Jesus' fitness does leave them a bit thin in that area.

On paper, they can compete with the players they have, although Mikel Arteta lacks a clear-cut cover for star man Bukayo Saka. They are linked with Kingsley Coman alongside a few other players, including Raheem Sterling; they are nowhere close to signing either of those as things stand.

They are now targetting Lyon's Ernest Nuamah, who may have a €45 million price tag on his head. The French giants have not given a clear indication whether they want to keep him, and to let him leave, they will demand that sort of money. Fulham are also keen on the winger, as the Gunners are not alone in the race for the €45 million-rated Ligue 1 winger.

Nuamah's preference for a move to England also remains under wraps as of now, although he will be surely attracted by the prospect of playing for either Arsenal or Fulham. At the former, he will know the role of playing backup to their primary wingers, although he does possess the talent to disturb the established order there. At Fulham, he could have a clear-cut pathway to becoming a first-team regular.

Arsenal and Fulham are considering alternatives
At this stage of the transfer window, no club will place all their eggs in one basket, as they will explore what's available. Arsenal could keep Reiss Nelson as their backup winger, although Fulham have an interest in the 24-year-old, as his sale could see the Gunners search for a solid replacement.

As for Fulham, they are strongly linked with Miguel Almiron, with the Newcastle United star likely to leave St James Park on deadline day. The Cottagers have other targets, including LOSC Lille's Edopn Zhegrova, among others, as the manager seems intent on bringing in a new wideman, especially after the exits of Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/08/30/arsenal-rival-fulham-in-ernest-nuamah-chase/

[alfie]

'Almost there' - Fabrizio Romano confirms Wolves set to beat Fulham to £21m signing
Wolverhampton Wanderers are closing in on a marquee signing before the transfer deadline.

The Old Gold are reportedly set to complete the acquisition of Brazil international midfielder Andre from Fluminense with talks at an advanced stage.

Transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano reported late on Wednesday night that the final details are being ironed out for Andre to move to Molineux, with the deal "almost there". Wolves are set to pay around £18.5 million plus £2.5 million in add-ons, beating Premier League rivals to the player's signature.

The Athletic reports Fulham saw a similar bid rejected for Andre earlier in the transfer window after tracking the midfielder for 18 months. In the end, the Cottagers moved on from Andre to consider pursuits of Scott McTominay and Sander Berge, the latter of whom is now a Fulham player.

Wolves have limited budget available before the end of the current window but have decided to take the plunge on Andre, who they believe is a long-term successor to fellow Brazil star Joao Gomes. The imminent signing won't mean an exit for any of Wanderers' current crop.

A graduate of Fluminense's prestigious academy, Andre has racked up an impressive 197 appearances for the Brazilian side. The 23-year-old has experienced glory in winning both the Copa Libertadores and Recopa Sudamericana while wearing the burgundy, white and green stripes.

Andre has been linked with a move to the Premier League for several years, with Liverpool, West Ham United and Fulham all keen last summer. The five-time Brazil international finally looks set to complete his move to England, fulfilling a lifelong dream.



https://www.birminghamworld.uk/sport/football/wolves/transfers-fabrizio-romano-confirms-wolves-beat-fulham-andre-fluminense-4760495

That's a bit of a false headline, Wolves haven't beaten us to signing him, we pulled out.

[WhiteJC]

How to watch Ipswich vs Fulham live: Steam link, team news, latest updates
Finally, for the first time in the Premier League, Ipswich Town get to play someone other than Liverpool or Manchester City on Saturday (10 am ET), when Fulham visit Portman Road.

WATCH IPSWICH vs FULHAM LIVE
On the bright side, Ipswich aren't even bottom of the PL table despite starting their season against two of the best teams in the world. Liverpool gave them precious little (0.15 xG on three shots) and Erling Haaland did what he does (that's code for: scored a hat trick) as the Tractor Boys scored from their only shot of the game, in the 7th minute. Now, against a side of fellow mortals, we will see a few of Kieran McKenna's ideas on display.

Fulham, meanwhile, fought tough at Old Trafford and nearly took a point against Manchester United before beating Leicester last weekend. Emile Smith Rowe bagged his first goal since joining from Arsenal earlier this summer, but it was another former Gunner, Alex Iwobi, who scored the winner for Marco Silva's side midway through the second half.

How to watch Ipswich vs Fulham live, stream link and start time
Kickoff time: 10 am ET Saturday (Aug. 31)
Venue: Portman Road
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Streaming: Premier League on Peacock

Ipswich focus, team news
    OUT: Wes Burns (thigh), Harry Clarke (calf), George Hirst (knee), Nathan Broadhead (thigh), Janoi Donacien (groin)

Fulham focus, team news
    No injuries to report

Ipswich vs Fulham prediction
Ipswich will sense this is their opportunity to show the world what they can do in possession, and Fulham will be happily waiting to do what they do best: launch counter-attacks through Smith Rowe, Iwobi and Adama Traore. Ipswich 1-3 Fulham.



https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/how-to-watch-ipswich-vs-fulham-live-steam-link-team-news-latest-updates

[WhiteJC]

Breaking: Birmingham City launch shock record-breaking bid for Premier League striker
Birmingham City have made a stunning last-gasp attempt to sign Fulham striker Jay Stansfield.

Birmingham are attempting a sensational deadline day swoop for Stansfield, who last season claimed all the individual awards during a stellar loan at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park.

The striker recently returned to Birmingham in Fulham colours as the Cottagers won 2-0 in the Carabao Cup. Stansfield scored on the night and was cheered by the thousands of Blues fans in attendance.

After the game, Fulham boss Marco Silva effectively ruled out a return to Birmingham for Stansfield as he revealed his intention to reward the attacker with minutes in the Premier League. Now, though, that scenario has been blitzed by a huge update.

The Telegraph reports Birmingham have launched an official bid of around £9-10 million to land Stansfield permanently. Blues are trying to seal the deal before tonight's 11pm deadline and if they are successful, it will be by far the most expensive transfer in League One history.

Stansfield, a fan favourite throughout his first stay in Birmingham, contributed 12 goals and two assists in 43 Championship appearances last campaign. Before that, the striker netted nine goals and made seven assists in 36 League One matches on loan at Exeter City.

The 21-year-old has only played 10 times at a senior level for Fulham but that number was set to increase this term. Birmingham have left it late but there's a chance Stansfield, always the dream summer signing, could be completed on the final day of the window.



https://www.birminghamworld.uk/sport/football/transfers-birmingham-city-bid-fulham-striker-jay-stansfield-deadline-day-4762087

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Birmingham City launch sizeable bid for Jay Stansfield
Birmingham City have launched a bid of around £9m-£10m to try and recruit Fulham striker Jay Stansfield.

 This is according to John Percy, who has revealed that Blues have made a last-ditch attempt to try and secure a deal for the 21-year-old.

The Midlands side have been linked with a move for Stansfield for much of the summer, but it seemed unlikely that they would be able to get a deal over the line for the young forward, with Marco Silva previously stating that the player would be remaining at Craven Cottage beyond the end of the summer transfer window.

 This interest came after the striker spent last season on loan at St Andrew's, with the player impressing for much of his temporary spell.

He was unable to prevent the club from being relegated to League One, but he was one of a very select few of Birmingham players who came away from the 2023/24 campaign with any credit.

His performances have persuaded Silva to include him in the Cottagers' first team - and he scored against Chris Davies' side in the EFL Cup earlier this week - executing an exquisite finish to boost his chances of being heavily involved for the Premier League team this season.

 However, a move back to St Andrew's could potentially be on the horizon, even though Birmingham have dropped down to the third tier.

Birmingham City launch Jay Stansfield bid
 They may have already recruited Alfie May this summer, but Blues seem to be intent on adding more attacking firepower to their squad, which is understandable following the departures of Scott Hogan and Stansfield.

The latter could secure a deadline day return, with a bid of around £9m-£10m being made, according to journalist Percy.

 The Midlands side are desperate to get a deal over the line before the transfer window closes tonight, with Birmingham wanting him as an asset throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

Blues may have been able to make this sizeable offer after Jordan James' move to Stade Rennais, with the Wales international likely to have generated the club a considerable amount in sale revenue.

Birmingham City could benefit from Jay Stansfield's potential return
 Considering he scored 13 goals last term at a higher level and already knows League One, he could be a very shrewd addition.

May is an excellent goalscorer to have at this level, but Blues will certainly benefit from adding even more attacking firepower to their squad.

It remains to be seen whether the striker is willing to make the move back to Birmingham though.

They are strong promotion favourites, but Stansfield will surely want to compete at a higher level this term.

A return to St Andrew's would feel like a step back in the short term, but it could pay dividends in the long term. A return would be a risk for him though.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-birmingham-city-launch-sizeable-bid-for-jay-stansfield/

[WhiteJC]

Everton in advanced talks to sign Ernest Nuamah
Talks between Everton and Ligue 1 club Lyon have advanced regarding a deal for 20-year-old Ghanaian winger Ernest Nuamah, a target for Arsenal and Fulham.

According to a report by Graeme Bailey on HITC, Ernest Nuamah is the subject of interest from Everton. The Lyon winger is also a target for fellow Premier League club Fulham over a possible deadline-day move. However, the Toffees have advanced the talks to sign the Ghanaian winger from the Ligue 1 club.

Meanwhile, another update by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football has revealed that the youngster is a target for Arsenal. In addition, he has suggested that Lyon will demand around €45 million to part ways with the African winger before the summer transfer window shuts down.

The Ernest Nuamah story
Ernest Nuamah has been one of the most promising young wingers in Ligue 1 since joining Lyon from RWD Molenbeek. The 20-year-old has been in Europe for two and a half years but has risen in prominence during his spell with Lyon. However, the youngster might leave the Ligue 1 club a month after completing a permanent move amid his links with Everton, Fulham, and Arsenal.

A man in demand
Arsenal's interest in the Ghana international is understandable. Mikel Arteta has been adamant that he wants two top-notch options for every position in his squad. Nuamah has thus emerged as a viable target to be Bukayo Saka's deputy while challenging the Englishman for the right-wing berth at Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Fulham's interest in Ernest Nuamah makes sense. While Marco Silva's attacking unit has been impressive in the early days of the 2024/25 season, the Portuguese tactician can do with a new wide attacker. The Ghanaian winger is thus an option worth considering for the West London club.

As for Everton, Sean Dyche wants more reliable wide attackers after struggling in the first two Premier League games. Nuamah is thus a viable target for Everton, with the Merseyside outfit advancing the talks to sign the 20-year-old winger from Lyon. Meanwhile, Les Gones will demand around €45 million to part ways with the youngster. It is unclear if the asking price will deter the Premier League clubs.

The Toffees are reportedly closing in on signing one player from the Ligue 1 club, with recent reports linking them with Orel Mangala. It will be interesting to see if Everton can beat Arsenal and Fulham to Ernest Nuamah's signature and whether they are ready to pay €45 million to sign him.




https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/08/30/everton-in-advanced-talks-to-sign-ernest-nuamah/

[WhiteJC]

Blackburn Rovers eye Fulham attacker after Wigan Athletic loan spell
Blackburn Rovers are trying to sign Fulham winger Martial Godo on loan, according to reporter Alan Nixon on his Patreon page.

Blackburn Rovers are keen on landing the attacker on a temporary basis before the end of the transfer window. They have until the deadline this evening to get a deal done.

Godo, 21, spent last season with Wigan Athletic in League One and was a hit during his time in the North West under the guidance of Shaun Maloney. He made 33 appearances in all competitions for the Latics and scored four goals as he got some valuable experience under his belt.

He has now returned to Craven Cottage but his immediate future with the London outfit is up in the air right now. In this latest update regarding his situation by journalist Nixon on Patreon, Rovers are looking to bring him in as they look to boost their attacking department.

Blackburn Rovers eye winger
Blackburn Rovers could see Godo as someone to add something different to their side.

He can play on either flank and would provide more depth in attacking areas.

Rovers have recently sold key man Sammie Szmodics to Ipswich Town in the Premier League so could do with some more quality going forward to fill the void left by his exit.

Godo played in non-league for Dartford and Margate before Fulham snapped him up in 2022 after he impressed them on trial.

The Cottagers were in the Championship when he first joined and has since established themselves in the top flight under former Hull City and Watford boss Marco Silva.

Godo is under contract with the Whites until 2025 after seeing his stay extended last year and has played once for their first-team to date in a Carabao Cup tie against Crawley Town.

He was given the green light to head out the exit door on loan for the first time when Wigan Athletic came calling last year and his time there did him good.

What next for Blackburn Rovers target?
A switch to Blackburn Rovers would be a great move for Godo and a natural progression from his stint with the Latics.

He is unlikely to get many minutes at Fulham so departing again would be sensible.

Rovers have started this term well under ex-Birmingham City manager Eustace and face an away trip to Turf Moor this weekend to lock horns with rivals Burnley.



https://the72.co.uk/2024/08/30/blackburn-rovers-eye-martial-godo-fulham-wigan-athletic-spell/

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: Fulham eyeing last-minute move for Lille's Edon Zhegrova
Sources have revealed to CaughtOffside that Fulham are making a final push to sign Lille winger, Edon Zhegrova, before the transfer window closes on Friday night at 11pm.

Fulham manager, Marco Silva, is known to be keen to bolster his attacking options after losing both Willian and Bobby Decordova-Reid this summer.

Fulham hope to pull off Zhegrova signing
However, the transfer of Zhegrova might be challenging to finalise as Lille have qualified for the Champions League group stages and the French club are demanding a significant fee of around €40m-€45m for the 25-year-old Kosovan.

Additionally, Zhegrova is reportedly hesitant to leave Lille precisely due to their participation in the Champions League.

The player joined Lille in 2022 for a fee of around £5m and signed a four-year contract. Since then, he has made 90 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals and providing 16 assists.

Fulham remain determined to secure a new winger in the final hours of the transfer window, and Zhegrova is their top target.

CaughtOffside sources say that the West Londoners will try to tempt Lille and the player by arranging a loan deal with an obligation to buy permanently, but in order for this to happen, Fulham will need to meet Lille's financial demands and convince Zhegrova.

Meanwhile, London rivals Crystal Palace are also monitoring Zhegrova's situation, though they may not have enough time to make a move before the transfer window closes.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/08/30/fulham-last-minute-edon-zhegrova/

[WhiteJC]

Birmingham City to destroy League One transfer record with £10million Jay Stansfield move
Blues' American owners are determined to jump straight out of the third tier and into the Championship and after a summer where they've consistently put their hands in their pockets, are now ready to drop a Deadline Day bombshell

Birmingham City have lodged a £10million bid with Fulham for Jay Stansfield.

Stansfield enjoyed a spell on loan at St Andrew's last season, was extremely impressive and news has been circulating for weeks that Blues were desperate to have him back.

 Ironically, the young striker was in Fulham's team that won in the League Cup at Brum on Tuesday night, Stansfield scoring and taking the man of the match award in victory for the Premier League side.

But he's not first, nor even second, choice at Craven Cottage, wants regular game time and a big-money move is entirely in keeping with the Birmingham owners modus operandi - and they will want to make a statement signing on deadline day.

Certainly, it would be a massive statement of intent by the American owners for a player who swept the board at the club's awards last season, winning everything in sight.

Interestingly, Stansfield's brother works at the club and Stansfield, 21, needs to play to advance his career.

The move ticks a lot of boxes and it remains to be seen if Fulham accept the bid. But after some big spending of their own this summer - not least on Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe and Crystal Palace defender Joachim Anderson, who combined cost in excess of £55million - its likely the west London club will want to claw some money back.

And given how well Stansfield did at Blues last term and how well thought of he is in the second city, they may not get an offer of this magnitude again, particularly if he spends this season not playing.

The £10million transfer fee would be a record spend for a League One club, destroying the previous record, when Sunderland spent £4million on Will Grigg from Wigan.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/birmingham-city-destroy-league-one-33566630

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest in direct talks to land top West Ham star but Fulham, Southampton lurking
Premier League trio Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Southampton are all fighting to bring in a top West Ham star on deadline day, sources have told TEAMtalk.

England midfielder James Ward-Prowse is the player in question, with the Hammers star poised to move before the end of the day after failing out of favour with new London Stadium boss Julen Lopetegui.

This time last year Forest had just added their seventh new signing when they splashed £30 million on Ibrahim Sangare, having brought in a remarkable 21 new players the summer before after winning promotion back to the Premier League.

Things have certainly been a lot less frenetic this summer under Nuno Espirito Santo, with the likes of Elliot Anderson, Nikola Milenkovic, Ramon Sosa David Carmo walking through the door.

Striker Omar Marmoush is also in the sights of the City Grund outfit, with Nuno also wanting a goalkeeper in as well as a new midfielder – and that's where Ward-Prowse fits the bill.

The 29-year-old's two appearances this season have both come off the bench, with Lopetegui preferring other options in midfield to the set-piece specialist. Indeed, he has featured for just 16 minutes in the Premier League so far.

However, Forest are not alone in their efforts to sign Ward-Prowse, despite seemingly having march on the rivals after opening dialogue with West Ham.

Prem duo could rival Forest for Ward-Prowse
Both Fulham and the midfielder's former club Southampton are monitoring the situation.

Ward-Prowse made over 400 appearances for Southampton before quitting St Mary's for the London Stadium last summer after their relegation. He is also a deadly set-piece specialist who is only two free-kicks away from breaking David Beckham's record in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a solid first season at in the capital, scoring seven goals and claiming 11 assists for the Hammers as they missed out on Europe.

However, if he may be let go as Lopetegui looks to put his own stamp on the West Ham squad and the players could fall right into Fulham's hands.

One stumbling block, however, could be his wages, with Ward-Prowse currently earning £115,000-a-week and if they let him go on loan they will want a large chunk of that paying.

But for now, the clock is very much ticking to get a deal done.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/nottingham-forest-direct-talks-sign-top-west-ham-midfielder-but-fulham-southampton-also-lurking

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Fulham 'exploring' deadline day move for Ligue 1 winger
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing Lille winger Edon Zhegrova on transfer deadline day.

The Cottagers have made several additions to their squad this summer, having recruited Jorge Cuenca, Joachim Andersen, Emile Smith Rowe, Sander Berge and Ryan Sessegnon.

However, they are still keen to bring in reinforcements before the transfer deadline, with Marco Silva looking to add a winger to his squad.

Fulham have been left light on numbers in wide areas following the departures of Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Willian earlier this summer.

As it stands, Silva can only call upon Alex Iwobi, Harry Wilson and Adama Traore as his main three wide options.

Fulham eyeing Zhegrova move
According to Football Insider, Fulham are exploring the possibility of bolstering Silva's wide options with the addition of Zhegrova.

The report claims that Fulham are long-term admirer of Zhegrova and are weighing up whether to make a late move to secure his signature.

However, there is a belief that it would take a 'substantial fee' to persuade Lille to consider sanctioning Zhegrova's departure.

It remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old would be open to a departure after helping Lille reach the Champions League main draw.

The Kosovo international scored three goals in four qualifying appearances, including a goal in Wednesday's playoff second-leg meeting with Slavia Prague.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/late-swoop-fulham-targeting-ligue-1-winger_551671.html?newsnow

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Birmingham City See Monster Jay Stansfield Bid Rejected By Fulham
Birmingham City have failed with an ambitious offer to sign Jay Stansfield from Fulham on deadline day, according to the BBC.

Blues are backing boss Chris Davies heavily in the transfer market as they try to make sure their stay in League One is as brief as possible.

Stansfield was on loan at Birmingham last season and the club are desperate to bring him back.

They made a huge bid in the region of £10m for him earlier today, which would have smashed the League One transfer record.

Fulham though have now knocked that back.

Cottagers boss Marco Silva is a firm admirer of Stansfield and is not interested in seeing the club sell him.

The ball is now back in Birmingham's court to decide what to do.

Given the big level of their offer it is unclear whether Blues are prepared to go even higher to test Fulham once again.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/08/30/birmingham-city-see-monster-jay-stansfield-bid-rejected-by-fulham/659407/

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Troy Deeney expects Emile Smith-Rowe to thrive at Fulham "He will be the main man"
Emile Smith Rowe, a Hale End graduate, has decided to part ways with Arsenal. After spending years trying to find his magic at the Emirates Stadium but failing, it seemed like the perfect time for a new adventure.

Well, Fulham managed to snag him from the Emirates stadium for a cool £34 million. So far, he has made 3 appearances for the Cottagers—2 in the League and a 4-minute cameo in the Carabao Cup.

He's been impressive thus far. In fact, he had an outstanding performance and even scored in Fulham's 2-1 victory over Leicester last weekend. That said, will he hit top form at Craven Cottage?

Only time will tell, but Troy Deeney, a former Premier League striker, shared his predictions on Sky Sports, stating that Emile Smith Rowe will thrive at Fulham. He mentions that the competition at Arsenal might have hindered his progress, despite displaying flashes of brilliance. However, Deeney believes that once Smith Rowe builds his momentum, he will thrive at Craven Cottage.

"I just think sometimes you need to be a big fish in a smaller pond," said Deeney. "And I think at Arsenal he was playing well, but you had Odegaard there, you had Saka there, you are not getting in, whereas here, he will be the main man, he will get game time. We all know four, five games gets you running and I think he will really fly," he added.

Smith Rowe is a player that Gooners will absolutely adore once he rediscovers his mojo. When Arsenal fans needed some excitement, in the early days of the Arteta reign—the trust the process era—the young player from Hale End really stepped up. He didn't just get the No. 10 jersey; he really earned it. It's a shame that injuries held him back, but hopefully those struggles are behind him now.

It's difficult to say if he'll do well at Fulham, but considering how much the fans at the Emirates Stadium adore him, there's a chance if all goes well the club might consider bringing him back.



https://www.justarsenal.com/troy-deeney-expects-emile-smith-rowe-to-thrive-at-fulham/374663

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Millwall to battle Blackburn Rovers for Fulham attacker
Millwall are set to do battle with Blackburn Rovers in an attempt to get Fulham winger Martial Godo on loan ahead of their Championship rivals.

 Millwall's interest in Godo has been reported by both The Athletic and South London Press' sports editor, Richard Cawley.

Lancashire Telegraph reported Elliott Jackson stated earlier today that the winger was likely to move to Ewood Park, but that there was still some work to be done.

Any deal for the 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Wigan Athletic, is subject to Fulham adding a winger to their ranks before 11pm, according to The Athletic.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/millwall-to-battle-blackburn-for-martial-godo-fulham/

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Transfer gossip: Portsmouth agree £500,000 deal to bring in emerging Fulham defender
Pompey are set to land Fulham defender Ibane Bowat, according to reports.

The Blues are said to be on the verge of completing a £500,000 permanent deal for the Scotland under-21 international on deadline day.

Pompey are pushing to bring in the Londoner, who has yet to make a senior appearance at Craven Cottage, but was touted for a move to Italian giants AC Milan this summer.

A number of options were being explored going into deadline day, with Ipswich's George Edmundson a strong consideration - though he is set to join Middlesbrough.

There was also a strong feeling from within the football department bringing in young player with the ability to be developed should be explored

And Bowat certainly fits the bill on that front, with the likes of Charlton previously keen on the player and Scottish side Aberdeen also said to have agreed a £500,000 deal with Fulham two weeks ago.

AC Milan were said to be keen last month and had Bowat earmarked for a berth in their B team.

The Sun reports Pompey have agreed a deal which would include a 50 per cent sell-on clause for the Cottagers, in the event of Bowat being sold in future.



https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/transfer-gossip-portsmouth-agree-ps500000-deal-to-bring-in-emerging-fulham-defender-4762692