Latest rumours: Fulham are being linked to three (count 'em!) young players. There could be some truth in it, or it could just be journalists/agents responding to Martin Jol's comments about looking for young talent. Either way, what does anyone know about the following players: Ryan Mendes, a 21 year old winger currently playing for Le Havre in the French second division. Max Gradel, 23 year old winger playing for Leeds. Frankie Fyvie, 18 year old midfielder playing for Aberdeen. The only one I know much about is Gradel, who I've heard is very good. He's got a good goalscoring record for Leeds. He also had a couple of spells on loan at Bournemouth a couple of years ago. I never saw him play for the Cherries, but I'll ask around to see what impression he made back then.
I also have only heard Max Gradel and while I think he would be a decent signing, I don't feel it is on the wings where we need strengthening. My housemate is a leeds fan and speaks highly of gradel, though interestingly apparently he was rather disappointing when leeds were down in league 1. He has only really made his name since they returned to the championship. Whether this could be replicated in the premiership remains to be seen I guess.
I agree that we're strong on the wings, Robespierre, but our wingers are all of an age where we will need to think about replacing them before too long. Signing a young winger - particularly one with pace and an eye for goal - now would go a long way to keeping the side from all growing too old at the same time. Gradel sounds like he could be a good one if the rumours are true. Ask your housemate about Gradel's pace. If he's a flyer, he could be just the job. Also, does he play on the left, the right or both?
Think hes pretty competent on both wings, which is similar to most of our wingers to be honest. Scores his fair share of goals, think he got just under 20 this season so very good for a winger. Am told he can also play as a second striker and has some decent pace, so if he's that versatile then I guess he could be something of a replacement for gera/kakuta. I would agree that if we were to strengthen on the wings then pace should be the priority. Would love to think we could get someone like nzogbia, though he might be outside of our price range. Thinking about it actually, now with kakuta and gera gone were not quite so spoiled for players who can play out wide, with it really being dempsey, duff and davies and I guess dembele and greening being able to cover as well.
Gradel's very pacey, can play down both wings or through the centre and scored 18 goals last season. So don't expect him for anything less than £5-6m .
I like Gradel. I've watched him a few times on TV. He's got good pace and movement off the ball. He's one of those players who makes things happen.
There are two forwards Fulham have been linked with over here in Deutschland; one is Papiss Demba Cissé (15 million Euro - 26 from Senegal) and other is Didier Ya Konan (7 million Euro - 27-Ivorian). Both good players.
Never heard of Ryan Mendes, so I wikepedia searched him- never seen a more blank page. he is indeed a winger/attacker- probably not particuarlly what we should be looking for.
According to Craig Brown there has been no approach from Fulham for Fyvie: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13830206.stm
Reported today that we have put in an offer of £700k for Frankie Fyvie. Although he's recovering from a long term injury the Don's fans rate him very highly; to quote, "you won't get him for less than £1m." and (get your hankie out) "he's too good for the likes of Fulham".
A bid of £50k for 18 year old Wycombe midfielder, Kadeem Harris has been turned down. The club are considering upping the bid to £75 to get him ahead of Spurs, among others.
