Fulham Rumour Round-Up: Doucoure, Smalling, McKennie
Written by Cameron Ramsey on 11th January 2023
It’s all gone a little bit quiet on the transfer rumour front. It could very well be the calm before the storm, mind, so Cam’s organised another round-up to ramp-up the levels of anticipation.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – Everton
It’s the Daily Mail’s understanding that Fulham are reluctant to enter negotiations with Everton for Abdoulaye Doucoure, as they are concerned that the midfielder’s steep financial demands could cause issues.
It’s well-documented that the Whites are in the market for an established holding midfielder and Doucoure, 30, has been earmarked as a potential addition. The Mali international is supposedly on big money at the Toffees, though, and while Marco Silva’s worked with him previously at Watford, funds may be better invested in a more economical target.
Ewan Otoo – Celtic B
Another Daily Mail article suggests that Aston Villa, Burnley and Fulham are monitoring Celtic B captain Ewan Otoo. Otoo, 20, has been at the Hoops since the age of 8 and has graduated through the development ranks, and he’s now impressing in the Lowland League for the club’s secondary squad.
He signed his first pro deal in 2019 and in 16 outings this season, the centre-back has one goal, alongside a solitary assist. Celtic B are currently second in their respective division’s standings but have two games in-hand on league leaders The Spartans, and they are only a point behind.
Omar Colley – Sampdoria
A report published by Samp News 24 proposes that Fulham are tracking Sampdoria’s 30-year-old defender Omar Colley, and a figure of €5m could be enough to persuade the Serie A side to sell him in the mid-season transfer period.
The Whites were supposedly pursuing Colley in the summer, but were deterred by Sampdoria’s €10m price tag. Despite slashing the supposed asking price in half, the Gambia international has been a trustworthy Blucerchiati squad member and it’s yet to become clear if Fulham are serious suitors.
Chris Smalling – AS Roma
The same Samp News 24 article states that the Whites are also weighing up a reunion with AS Roma’s Chris Smalling who, as we know, earned his stripes at Craven Cottage in his formative years. At 33, Smalling is entering the latter stages of his career but at Roma, he’s regarded as an integral component.
He’s a defensive linchpin for the Giallorossi and with three goals to his name, he’s also a notable set-piece threat, with towering headers being his mode of attack. In England, Smalling was inconsistent, disposable but Jose Mourinho has revitalised the forgotten Three Lions representative so a departure in January is unlikely.
Danny McNamara – Millwall
According to the Daily Mail, Fulham are keeping tabs on Millwall right-back Danny McNamara, as the Whites are scouring for a capable fullback to understudy first-team favourite Kenny Tete.
McNamara, 24, is a versed Championship competitor and has been on Millwall’s books since 2017. He’s also a former two-time Ireland U21 participant. In relation to those we’ve been linked with, McNamara’s mention isn’t particularly eye-catching but if we’re wanting a player that would presumably be more than happy to learn and progress, knowing they’d be second choice, he could be the ideal signing after all.
Weston McKennie – Juventus
We couldn’t possibly add another to the Fulhamerica contingent, could we? Well, it’s a long shot, but Italian journalist Giovanni Albanese has disclosed (via Gazzatta) that Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie is not entertaining AFC Bournemouth’s alleged €40m bid, and that there are two other interested parties from the Premier League in Aston Villa and Fulham.
It’s believed that Juve are hoping to move the American on in the coming weeks and that also goes for the player’s representatives as well. McKennie, 24, starred as the USMNT reached the 2022 World Cup round-of-16 but while Fulham has been a welcome destination for Americans, past and present, it’s thought McKennie wants to remain at the very top of the game at club level. Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund are also said to be circling.
James Bree – Luton Town
The Daily Mail certainly have us covered where right-backs are concerned. The tabloid suggests that the Whites have set their sights on Luton Town’s James Bree, among others, if they fail to land players of a higher priority.
Bree, 25, joined the Hatters from Aston Villa in January, 2017, and in 25 league appearances this season, he has three assists. We’ve seen first-hand what Bree offers, he’s an abrasive, workmanlike type of defender that contributes effectively at both ends of the pitch and though he may not have Premier League experience, he’s someone that could definitely flourish in the top flight.
