To just defend our own players.... Van Wolfswinkel has been out injured since October and today was his first start since then. He was also forced to play several games carrying an injury. His problem is that he's simply too good for our midfield. His movement is absolutely stunning, and he's good in the air and has an excellent touch, but we don't have the midfielders to play the through balls he'll thrive on, nor to cross into the right areas consistently. At a better club I think he'd score for fun. We also try to aim long balls at him too much, which whilst he's not too bad at, isn't his natural game. I think Bony would have fit in better with us, and RvW at Swansea to be honest. Fer was our best player early in the season, but his form has evaporated over Christmas. He's good going box-to-box but our injury situation has forced him to play deeper which doesn't suit him. Also works best in a 4-5-1 but we seem intent on playing 4-4-2 at the moment. The Dutch league appears to have some bargains, but they aren't all going to work out. Same as from anywhere I guess.
Tentative yesses to Bradley and Heitinga, a big no to Essien. We don't want to load any more players at the wrong end of their careers into the squad. Makienok sounds promising, and from what I read would cost around 4m Euros (what's that in pounds - £3.5m?). I've been thinking more about Danny Ings, who may now be more expensive than we're willing to pay anyway. At Bournemouth he always played upfront along with a bigger traditional target man. At Burnley he's partnered with another player of that type, Sam Vokes. I'm not saying that Ings needs to be partnered with a big man, but it's possible that if we signed him to partner Berba, the combination may not work. Ings was only 18 or so when I used to watch him, and physically was much more Joe Cole and Carlton Cole. He may have grown since then and he wasn't at all cowed by the physical side of the game, but if we go for him, we may want someone other than the current options alongside him. Makienok sounds ideal - if Berba does want to move on in January, it might be a very good bit of business to go for both of them.
Sounds as though our interest is genuine, although his Agent seems to be holding out for max money. "Fulham boss Meulensteen is understood to have been quoted a £3.3milion fee for 6ft 7in target man Makienok for a January transfer. Press Association Sport understands the ex-Manchester United coach could try to prise the 23-year-old away from Brondby if Dimitar Berbatov leaves this month. Makienok's agent Michael Stensgaard said the six-cap Denmark forward is in "no rush" to leave Brondby, and is currently fixed to a "long-term" contract. "Obviously there is interest from a number of sources and not just from England," Stensgaard told Press Association Sport. "We will wait to see what happens in the coming window, and then perhaps again in the summer." "We have a very good dialogue with Brondby and we are in no rush. So we will make a decision to suit all parties." Makienok has scored six goals in 12 outings for Brondby this term, taking his tally to 26 in 48 appearances since his March 2012 signing. A number of Premier League managers are confident his towering frame would suit the English game's physicality, with Meulensteen believed to be chief among them. Stensgaard, however, pointed out any potential transfer must allow Makienok to take a significant step forward in his career. He said: "It's very important for Simon to make the right move. But there is no panic and no rush. If the right offer comes along then we will take a look at it. We would need to look carefully to ensure any club can help him reach his potential. "We have set our specific criteria, and I'm sure Brondby have done the same." Source: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/s...akienok-in-no-hurry-over-fulham-29892927.html
Very much liking this rumour... @fulhambuzztap: Guardian >> Fulham look to reinforce left-back spot with Chelsea's Ryan Bertrand http://t.co/EePp4GqnD8
Would love to see Bertrand giving us stability at left back. Looks like we might get him on loan (if possible).... @fulhambuzztap: Cottagers Confidential >> Ryan Bertrand In, Dimitar Berbatov out, Simon Makienok as a replacement? http://t.co/BFgVsngbo6
I'd be very happy with Bertrand and Makienok coming in, but if Berba goes we'll need two strikers to join the first team squad, not just Makienok.
"Ravel Morrison has reportedly set his mind on leaving West Ham United and joining Fulham this month. Reports that the Cottagers were planning to launch a bid for the England Under-21 international emerged last month. Despite Morrison receiving a number of plaudits for his form at Upton Park, it is understood that the 20-year-old is keen to reunite with Fulham head coach Rene Meulensteen, who coached at Manchester United during the player's time at Old Trafford. It is believed that Morrison has told West Ham manager Sam Allardyce that he wants to make the move, which could include an increase on his current £15,000-a-week wages" Source: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...ews/ravel-morrison-diego-costa-linked-6474291
How much would we have to shell out for him? His value must have gone right up since his move to London and WH aren't going to want to lose one of the most promising young English players for anything shy of £15m.
Morrison i've heard has some rather large contract conditions...like if someone offers a fee of I think £10m then WH would have to quadruplehis wages...I'm not saying we will reach this amount but there must be triggers in his contract to a point where WHU will cash in.
Tricky one this one. Undoubtably an exciting player and there have been many rave reviews about his ability in the past year or so. It also seems he has a really good rapport with meulensteen, who I turn seems to understand him as a person and as a player. There are, however, down sides to him. He is very confident in his own ability, apparently too confident at times. Bit of a live wire off the field. Also him and Tarrabt are very similar in playing styles, both inspiring on their day but can throw their toys out of the pram. If we could get him for 4 or 5 million well worth a punt but much more than that could be too much.
The initial story said we were thinking £3.5m; the latest ones have us maybe going for the punt at £5m.
And the clear-out begins.... Fulham forward Bryan Ruiz, 28, could be set to leave Craven Cottage for Spanish club Real Betis. Ruiz became Fulham's record signing when he arrived from FC Twente for £10.6m in 2011. Full story: Daily Mirror (external)
If he doesn't do well at Betis, I hope he does btw, we could start a new thread - The Curse of Bryan Ruiz!
Ok a week into January and all quiet on the transfer front, I think we all agree we need a big overhaul with ageing midfielders, Our only decent permant striker out of contract in the summer and a defence shipping goals ( Blimely sounds bad doesn't it). Most of this will have to be looked at in the summer but I think the minimun we need this January is a left back and a centre back, The rumours of Lescott and Betrand are promising if we brought those two in, kept Berba and and got rid a few fringe players ( Ruiz, Rodders?) I would be happy with that, let's get it done
Fulham have not made an enquiry or official offer for Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott, 31. The England international has also been linked with West Ham and Turkish club Besiktas. Full story: Sky Sports And in other 'non-news' I have not won the lottery or even bought a ticket.
