Crystal Palace 'getting closer' to Newcastle United deal as Fulham confirm £25m transfer

Crystal Palace and Fulham both had disappointing starts to the season, both narrowly losing their respective opening games. Palace lost to Brentford last weekend and will look to bounce back against another London rival in West Ham this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Cottagers narrowly lost to Manchester United at Old Trafford and will take on newly promoted Leicester City at home this weekend. In the meantime, transfer efforts continue with the summer window set to close in just over a week.

For Palace, the next week will seemingly about trying to keep key players and trying to replace those they are not able to keep. Eberechi Eze looks more and more likely to stay following the early departure of Michael Olise, but Joachim Andersen looks Fulham-bound on a £30million deal.

Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix has been mooted as a likely replacement, available for a reported £14million, though it might take a little more than that to get the deal done. Palace also face losing star centre-back Marc Guehi in an even bigger blow, with Newcastle United still pushing for a deal despite reports of rejected offers worth around £65million.

Despite Palace’s rejections, it seems Newcastle are still pushing for a deal, and Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie believes a deal is likely to get done. He said on Sky Sports News: “It feels as though their move, their protracted move, for Marc Guehi is getting closer. I understand talks continued between the two clubs yesterday as they attempt to find a resolution to what has really become a standoff between Crystal Palace and Newcastle.”

There have been claims Palace won’t sell both centre-backs, but Downie added: “That is not how I understand it. I am of the belief there is a chance both players could be sold in the next week with Crystal Palace lining up alternatives.”

Berge snapped up by Fulham

Across town, fellow London club Fulham have wrapped up a big-money deal to sign Burnley star Sander Berge, who has suffered back-to-back relegations with Sheffield United and Burnley. The deal is said to be worth as much as £25million, with Fulham adding depth to their midfield, adding to the capture of Emile Smith Rowe following Joao Palhinha’s departure.

“It feels fantastic,” Berge told the club website. “It’s been a little bit back and forth the last few weeks, but I’m finally sitting here in the shirt in this beautiful stadium, knowing that my future is here, which feels great. Fulham has always been a team that excited me. I’ve played them both in the Championship and Premier League, and it’s fantastic how they play, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1. The DNA of the Club is to be dominant, aggressive, front-footed, and play nice football, and I think that suits me.”

Fulham owner Tony Khan added: “I'm excited to welcome Sander Berge to Fulham! Sander has tremendous experience playing in the Premier League and in international competition, and we believe that he'll be a great addition to our squad, as we look forward to our first home game of the season this weekend! Come on Fulham!”