JOHNSON CLOSE TO NEW DEAL - JOL

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes Andrew Johnson is close to signing a new deal.

Last Updated: 03/02/12 at 06:27 Post Comment   

Andrew Johnson: New deal close, says Jol

Andrew Johnson: New deal close, says Jol

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes Andrew Johnson is close to signing a new deal with the west Londoners.

The 30-year-old striker's existing contract runs out at the end of the season, which has led to speculation linking him with a move away from Craven Cottage.

It is understood QPR and Blackburn both made bids for Johnson during the January transfer window, although a move never materialised.

Jol is pleased to still have the former England international on board and believes he is close to signing a new deal.

"There was an enquiry from one or two clubs so we had to make a decision on that," the Dutchman said.

"I said to Andy you will stay here whatever happens and that probably wasn't ideal for him, but it was good for me because we can now get on with the job and hopefully he can play for us and score goals.

"It is more to do with his situation. His contract is up at the end of the season and he is a bit insecure about his future.

"But I don't think there is any problem with him so we will find a solution. And I think he wants to stay as well."

He added: "We have made him an offer a couple of times and in the latest stage we even offered him what he wanted and that was two-and-a-half years.

"So we are close. The sticking point was a year difference."

Johnson will miss this weekend's trip to Manchester City with a groin injury, although midfielder Dickson Etuhu could be set for a return.

The Nigerian has missed out on the matchday squad in recent weeks and Jol revealed it is because he wanted to leave for first-team football.

"He was in the squad then out. Last time he wanted to move," he said.

"I want players who want to focus on Fulham but there was no approach so he is back in the squad.

"His mentality is fine but he's one of these players - and especially in the transfer window - who comes up to you and tells you he needs to play.

"And not once, but a lot of times - 'I need to play, I need to play'. I said 'okay, wait and see' so for me it was no problem but there was no approach so we have to sit down again."

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here has only been 3 players who made me hold my breath in dread when they picked the ball up anywhere near our penalty area...in their prime Scholes and Giggs... and always Drogba. Awesome player who on his day was the best striker in the world in my opinion.

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Farewell Big, Brutal, Big-Balled B**tard

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remember him scoring a 25-yarder, either the season just gone or the one before, against Bolton at the Reebok. I've never seen a ball hit that hard before in my entire life. You could almost feel the shockwave from his foot contacting it 40 yards away in the stands. Didier Droga. You might not have loved him, but you just had to be in awe of him.

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Farewell Big, Brutal, Big-Balled B**tard

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den Hazard, def. - 1) that girl in a club who makes eyes at you all night, who allows you to buy her a drink and walk her home arm in arm, who then gives you a suggestive kiss on her doorstep before declaring how tired she is and how she has to be up early the next day. 2) A cock tease.

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