Stecklenberg sounds like a great signing if it comes off. If he comes it will confirm that Jol doesn't see Stockdale as a future first choice and we should probably sell him sooner rather than later if that's the case. Huddlestone could also be good, although I'm less excited about this than others are - not that I'm against it, just that my levels of positivity aren't as high, if you see what I mean.
Stekelenburg would be a super signing in my view - step in the right direction. Huddlestone - more inventive than anything we've got but apart from his dodgy hairdo I worry about his fitness - he's missed a lot of games but does create.
Steve Bruce has said to the Hull and East Riding paper (yesterday) that Stckdale is his No. 1 target .. if we sign a new keeper. http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/story-17801492-detail/story.html
According to Belgian papers we've made a 5m Euro bid for midfielder Junior Malanda. Here's a potted history about him - An 18-year old Belgian defensive mid (who can also play as a centre back), playing for Zulte-Waregem in the Pro League. He was picked up for nothing from Lille this summer and now he's the driving force behind the team, together with playmaker Franck Berrier. His physique is immense: born on 28/08/1994, he's 1m81 tall and weighs in at 90 kg. His fat percentage is only 8 to 9 procent, so this guy is all muscle. A team mate described him as a stone wall after his first training with the team. I wasn't able to get a translation of a specific article from LaLibre.be but think the gist of it is that the bid is under consideration (oh, the joys of 'O' level French) - . The article also says that we have dropped any interest in William Vainqueur (remember him from the summer window?). Here is a link to the full article and any help in translation would be welcome - http://www.lalibre.be/sports/global/article/789155/fulham-met-5-millions-pour-malanda.html?
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?um=1...w=246&start=0&ndsp=26&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:88 Bears an uncanny resemblance in both appearance and physique to Papa Bouba Diop.
Probably the most contradictive and confusing article I've read. (Stekelenburg-related) http://www1.skysports.com/football/...t-Maarten-Stekelenburg-is-not-leaving-AS-Roma
Completely understand. He's had injury problems and probably isn't the Messiah we're after, but Jol signed him for Spurs and so can perhaps get the best out of him. He also has the attributes we're after. And he's English!
Lots of paper talk about us and Everton making enquiries about Matias Schelotto. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-and-everton-enquire-about-5m-rated-atalanta-1524819 The asking price of £5m seems high for someone with not a lot of pedigree and I'm not sure why we would be interested in a right winger at this time. The plus side is he has joint Argentinian and Italian nationality, so no work permit required. The downside is he joint owned by Atalanta and Cesena, so both clubs would need to agree to sell. There may be an incentive to buy and give Bryan some competition in the hair stakes but can't see anything else. please log in to view this image
The Fulham Chronicle has reported interest in Chris Baird - READING and West Brom have shown an interest in Fulham utility man Chris Baird. The 30-year-old has been a regular in the engine room this season after the departures of Mousa Dembele, Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu last summer. However, the Northern Ireland international is entering the final six months of his contract at Craven Cottage and is yet to reach the number of games to trigger an extension. Certainly wouldn't want to lose Chris at this point in the season, but with the Club dithering as usual with final year contracts would you blame him if a decent offer comes along ?
I said before that Chris Baird should be offered a new contract asap. He has been loyal servant. Personally no blame or bad feelings should he decides that another team is offering the chances and money he needs.
Can't believe it's 10 days into the window and I haven't mentioned Gary Hooper. Ah well, loooks like he's off to Norwich. Still leaves Georgios Samaras though. please log in to view this image
Not getting my hopes up. Every person we've been linked with so far has turned us down. Can see Forren being the next.
Stephen Kelly According to the West London News Kelly is having a medical today at Reading with a view to a permanent move - Best thing for him really and good on him if he can stilll get premiership games.
