I think the Lescott thing is just paper talk, because we're known to be looking for a centre back. Thing is, Lescott is a left-sided centre back, as is Hangeland, Amorebieta and Burn. If we do sign a central defender, I'd be astonished if it was another lefty. Buttner would be good, but there's a danger that the press link us to anyone who is surplus to requirements at Man United simply because of the Meulensteen connection. There's more chance of that one happening (in my opinion) but it still sounds like the kind of speculation that is easy to make up.
We were close to getting Bradley on a 6 month loan with an option to buy, but Toronto came in with a permanent bid, and changed everything. Apparently Bradley has signed for just under £6m on a 6-year deal of $1m a year. Pity. Hope he enjoys his choice what with Niagra Falls freezing over an' all that.
We've also been linked with Anzhi captain Jucilei, a defensive midfielder from Brazil. It could be more of the Rene used to work with him and we need a midfielder but considering Anzhi have been selling the majority of their players recently, this one could have some legs. He's only made 2 appearances for Brazil though so getting a work permit could be a problem. I've seen him play a couple of times and he's a real presence, 6ft 1 and strong as an ox. Could be a decent piece of business if we could get him for cheap.
Double bonus if true... @fulhambuzztap: Cottagers Confidential >> Fulham Transfer News and Rumors: Bryan Ruiz Gone, Favorites for Johnny Heitinga, in for http://t.co/GjPzN54vb7
Having a few second thoughts about Heitinga, my Everton supporting mate was gutted that his move to West Ham collapsed and he thinks he is there version of Senderos, I went on the Everton forums and there was a lot of fans who shared this opinion!
I cant' forget his World Cup final performance, so I always think of him as a bit of an undesirable thug. That may be hugely unfair though, and most of us have a long history of regarding thugs differently once they are our thugs.
This article suggests that Rene plans to keep hold of Bent and with the way Taarabt has been playing lately and QPR's reluctance to take him back I think we can rule out any domestic based loans this window. http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-hopes-bent-firing-6489726
Ruiz told he can leave. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25679018 Disaster, who am I going to pick on now? Seriously, good luck to him. Just not suited to PL and out team.
Love the quotes. They are all in perfect manager-speak saying one thing but implying something else "I wouldn't call his signing a mistake" Translates to "His signing was a massive mistake" "at that time it was probably for Fulham, the right choice and the right investment". Translates to "The club must have been desperate - was he signed late on transfer deadline day?" "Don't get me wrong, he is a very good player" Translates to "I'm trying to get rid of him so I've got to talk him up" "I've come in, I've looked at the squad, worked with these players" Translates to "I've come in, I've looked at the squad, worked with these players and he's ****" "He is a good player" Translates to "Bugger, almost cocked it up with the last sentence, I've got to get rid of him before I tell the truth" "he obviously needs to play, but I can't, like with any other player, guarantee that" Translates to "I'm not picking him ever again"
I can't wait for him to go, perhaps then the incessant complaints will stop! Oh wait, we still have Senderos...
I'll be sorry to see Bryan leave, but it is in the best interests of all parties at this point. Re Bradley - if he would rather take guaranteed money in a much less competitive league whilst he is in his prime, I'm not sad to miss out. Re Heitinga - is he really any better than Senderos or even Burn? We need to find a longterm replacement for Hughes. Lastly, we won't be getting any British loans this January. Neither Villa nor QPR have any interest in taking their players back.
New Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen is lining up a double raid on West Ham for midfielders Ravel Morrison, 20, and Mohamed Diame, 26. Full story: Daily Express Loving this....a definite yes to Diame.
Agreed on the scepticism, Rene must see what we are lacking and will try to the right players. As ever though our biggest sticking point will be wages.
Slight aside, but I'm a little amused that in my 2014 Fulham calendar the first two players featured in January are Berbatov and Ruiz. The club hedging their bets?
A new possibility for Bryan - please log in to view this image "According to De Telegraaf, PSV Eindhoven have agreed terms with Fulham over the six month loan deal, and it could only be a matter of time before the deal is announced. Ruiz is still to give a final yes to PSV over the deal, and then Philip Cocu’s side will have to gain a work permit for the Costa Rican international." Source: http://www.football-oranje.com/psv-set-to-win-race-for-fulham-forward/
