Sidwell Completes Move To Fulham

Steven Sidwell has finally sealed his move to Fulham for an undisclosed fee, after days on end of uncertainty regarding the Englishman's future. Sidwell had only arrived at Aston Villa in late 2008 in a bid to revive his career following a dismal spell at Chelsea but he's seen appearances hard to come by in the Midlands this season, often featuring irregularly.

Sidwell had looked set to join West Ham just days ago but a collapse for reasons unknown saw the former Reading star stay at Villa, only to be approached by Wolves and Fulham. Mick McCarthy had shown an interest in the versatile midfielder but Mark Hughes reacted quicker, jumping the gun, signing the midfielder for an initial six month deal but that could be  extended to 2014 if performances are consistent. Sidwell will now be competing amongst Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey and Dickson Etuhu for a starting place and he will most likely feature this weekend as Mark Hughes' struggling Fulham side take on a relatively easy Peterborough side, a win would ensure progress into the fourth round but a loss could all but spell the end for the under fire manager who's failed to make an impression as gaffer in his inaugural season.

“I’m delighted that my move to Fulham has been finalised, and I’m looking forward to training with the squad and help the Club make steady progress up the table in the second half of the season.

"I'd also like to thank Jez Moxley, and Mick McCarthy in particular, at Wolverhampton Wanderers for being so understanding in my desire to return to London and to play for Fulham. ”

Mark Hughes Nearing The Boot

In a similar story to Avram Grant, it's been reported that under fire Fulham boss Mark Hughes has 3 games to save his job. It's a wake up call for Hughes who has failed to succeed Hodgson in a speculative manner.

Hughes was appointed in July following Roy Hodgson's departure for Liverpool. Mark Hughes saw his side slip into the bottom three on boxing day as they lost to fellow strugglers West Ham.  In Mark Hughes' fulham career, he's only managed a dire two wins out of twenty, 2 coming in the Premier League. The cottagers have drawn an astonishing 10 matches this season and had previously gone unbeaten up to October.

The Race To Sign Landon Donovan

Its being reported that Everton & Fulham are both after American starlet Landon Donovan. Donovan,  was influential for Everton last season, being crowned their 'January Player Of The Month Of 2010',  would enjoy a second stint at the Toffee's, considering they are enduring a horrendous start to this Premier League season. He would most definitely be welcomed with open arms although he would have trouble finding a starting place with the in-form Irish teenager Seamus Coleman but a switch with midfielder Jack Rodwell would suit nicely. Donovan scored 2 times in 13 appearances for Everton back in January and February, but was iconic in his creativity, setting up numerous goals during his 2 and a half month loan at Goodison Park. He also starred for the USA in the World Cup during the summer, scoring three vital goals for the Americans to ensure they would emerge from their group.

Fulham are also interested in what he has to offer. They too are suffering a similar start to the Toffee's and having drawn far too many games this season they could see themselves battling for survival soon enough. There's no doubt Donovan would enjoy the Cottage and he would team up with American team mate Clint Dempsey who's had a difficult start to the season.

Newcastle have also been reported to have joined the race to sign Mr Donovan from LA Galaxy. They too are struggling to re adapt to life in the Premier League and although they were sitting comfortably in 11th, Mike Ashley sought a change in managers, for reasons unknown, and decided to replace the reliable Chris Hughton with experienced candidate Alan Pardrew who started his reign in fine fashion toppling inconsistent Liverpool 3-1. Donovan would fit into the role Hatem Ben Arfa would have taken up but a broken leg has ruined his chances.

The length of his loan, wherever he go's, is possible to be similar from that of earlier this year, likely to be 3 months considering he has duties back home as he will have to compete in the Gold Cup beginning in March 2011.