To be fair on Davidson, he is a talented defender appearing in the world cup. He played as Australia lost 3-2 to Holland. That said, given our total lack of depth at left back, I would still like us to target a more established player as well.
A bit of background on our potential new left back: âThe sun and sand of Brazil might be a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo but for Jason Davidson, he knows he probably wouldn't be experiencing one if it wasn't for the other. As Davidson prepares to make his third appearance at this World Cup with the Socceroos against Spain, he remembers an "extreme" time in his young life that has played a big role in getting him where he is today. At just 14, he caught the eye of Japanese scouts during a youth tournament and was offered a scholarship at Seiritsu Gakuen, a renowned sports school in Tokyo. It was a big move for a teenager, who only ever knew of life with his family in the suburbs of Melbourne. The school is known for trying to weed out the weaker players from the tougher ones, which is why they have gone on to churn out a host of current Japanese internationals. And Davidson learned quickly just what happens if you didn't fall into line or meet the school's expectations. "It was quite extreme. When I arrived late one day as punishment they not only shaved my head but everyone's head," Davidson told www.socceroos.com.au "It was a bit of a culture shock for me because coming from Australia and going to a country where I didn't speak the language and not knowing their ethics or anything was tough. It was pretty hard to adjust, especially at my age. "But when you rock up late to training and they shave your head, you have to learn pretty quickly." Davidson, whose grandmother was from Hiroshima, spent three years at the school before returning to Australia aged 17. Even with the difficult regime, different lifestyle and strange punishments he endured, Davidson loved the experience and believes it's played a key role in his success so far in his career. "It's made me the football player I am today and made me the person I am today," he said. "I'm 22 years old now and I've lived away from home for eight years so I think the three years in Japan really made me strong enough to live overseas and live in Europe and pursue my dream. It's not easy to be away from family and I think it really strengthened me as a young boy." Fast-forward five years and Davidson's career has gone from strength to strength. He has established himself as a key member of Eredivisie club Heracles' defence and is also a starter in a Socceroos side aiming to heap more misery on humbled 2010 World Cup winners Spain. Of course football runs through the Davidson family blood, with his father Alan a Socceroos great. Davidson senior made 79 appearances for the national team in a glittering career from 1980 to 1991. He was so good that the former South Melbourne defender was a wanted man by legendary English manager Brian Clough, at the time managing powerhouse Nottingham Forest. "He's been a big influence. He tries to support me and give me advice and it's been a road and a journey that we've been through together," Jason said of his Dad. "He's been there since day one and it's good to have someone in my corner who's lived the road and knows what it's all about. He doesn't really like to talk about his career much but I hear more from other people and they tell me he was a great legend and a great footballer," added Jason of his father. "He's my dad and that's how I look at him. I know he's a legend and I'm proud of him and if I can be just as good as him I'll be proud." Source: http://www.goal.com/en-au/news/4020.../japan-made-me-the-player-i-am-today-davidson
Sounds like another one with the right attitude. My one reservation is that a lot of players moving to England from the Dutch league take time to adapt, although I think that's more the case with attacking players (that said, did Salcido come from a Dutch club?, I have a sneaking suspicion that he might have done).
The Spurs player Captain, but somehow I feel he could be out of our price range, Spurs are reputed to be looking at a couple of defenders, and moving to another London club may have its advantages. I feel that if we are in the top 5 by Christmas, this could have an added effect on who we could attract in the Jan window.
Kyle Walker? The one who would probably have been England's right back this summer if he was fit? Even if Spurs are willing to sell, and we were willing to pay big money, do you really think he'd drop out of the Premier League, particularly when his main rival for the England team has just been generally agreed to have had a poor tournament? He was the only Walker I could think if, but I couldn't believe anyone would even consider him as a viable target for us this summer. I assumed there was another Walker that I was missing. I agree though, he'd be a great signing if we could get him. As would Lionel Messi and Thomas Muller.
My favourite is still "Johnnie Walker" first class in whatever position he is put in, always consistent, never puts in a bad performance , and only 12yrs old.
Italian paper La Gazzetta dello Sport are this morning linking us with a loan move for 22 year old, Italian defensive midfielder Federico Viviani. The Roma player was out on loan last season. please log in to view this image Link to pic: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/...no1T_iBCWzsj_aY8Tw3GhIAR-fhv3OdOfOn4znJLe3luk
According to Italian papers we're having talks with the Agent of Alvaro Gonzalez of Lazio. please log in to view this image Link to pic: http://gianlucadimarzio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/gonzalez.jpg "From the World to the market, a Uruguayan Championship in orbit. Alvaro Gonzalez, the Lazio midfielder, of great interest to Fulham. The agent of the boy, Lucci, will be in London on Friday to meet with the club. A first contact between the parties, because Gonzalez is considered ideal profile from the Cottagers." Source: http://gianlucadimarzio.com/lazio/lazio-lagente-di-alvaro-gonzalez-incontra-il-fulham/
After apparently bidding for McCormack it appears we are after an established big name championship striker (surly Mitroglu is leaving) well Vydra has joined Watford on loan for the season, young quick was top scorer in the championship two seasons ago, I know Watford and Udinese have this relationship but would have been happy with him at the Cottage
That's an ambitious one if true. He's played the majority of games for Lazio last season in a very strong team. Very experienced and in a position that we really need to add a few players. It'd be an ideal transfer for us but would probably cost a fair whack. By the way I think his name is Alvaro Gonzalez, not Daniel Alvarez.
In a shrewd move Heracles have taken up an option to extend his contract by 1 year. Which of course means that if we want him, we now have to pay.
Our chances of getting Alvaro Gonzalez may have been helped by Lazio signing centre midfielder Marco Parolto from Parma.
So today the transfer window opens!!! I think the next 3/4 weeks will see Fulham selling 4/5 players and also bringing in 4/5. I fully expect to see Ruiz, Mitroglu, Kasami, Rodellega and Stekelenburg to leave bringing in around £20 million and I think we will see that money reinvested
Latest on McCormack: Apparently he's submitted a formal transfer request. Hopefully that will help push him our way rather than elsewhere. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28129729 And this article, if it can be trusted, suggests that we're his first choice destination: http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/go-fulham-target-hands-transfer-7358113
Well Leeds have just released this: http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/18igbhwtz6vfs13pgsscffjqkr/title/statement-ross-mccormack
I think it's time to walk away from this one. Either Leeds aren't going to let him go or are trying to get us to pay way over the odds. There are younger, cheaper alternatives (Andrej Kramaric) that we should focus our attention on.
