Transfer: Fulham legend makes surprise exit as Chelsea defender moves on loan

Fulham have agreed to let defender Tim Ream leave the club and join MLS side Charlotte FC.

Ream joined the Cottagers from Bolton in August 2015 and went on to make 312 appearances in all competitions, second only in the 21st century to Tom Cairney.

“When I walked through the Motspur Park doors in 2015, I would have never predicted what the following nine years would bring,” Ream, 36, told the club’s website. The memories made, the connections formed, and the people met along the way have made my time at Fulham more than special.

“I wish I could thank everyone individually for the part they played in shaping me as a player, but more as a person. For all of that, I am beyond grateful. As of today I am no longer a player, but I will always be a fan of Fulham Football Club.”

Burnley have signed former England Under-21 goalkeeper Etienne Green on a three-year contract.

The 24-year-old joins the Clarets from Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne and will provide competition for current England Under-21 number one James Trafford and fellow new signing Vaclav Hladky. Green is Burnley’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window under new manager Scott Parker.

“I have always wanted to play for an English club, so to be here at a club like Burnley with the rich history is amazing,” said Green, who was born in Colchester but moved to France when he was four. I’m excited and it really is a dream come true.”

Sheffield United have signed defender Alfie Gilchrist on loan from Chelsea ahead of their Sky Bet Championship opener at Preston on Friday. The 20-year-old has completed a season-long deal with the Blades, much to the delight of manager Chris Wilder.

“Alfie was always one of those players who featured high on our wanted list,” Wilder told the club’s website. "Everyone in the game is aware of Alfie and his abilities, so our pitch to him, and Chelsea, had to be spot on.

“There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes to get this deal through and we’re looking forward to working with a really talented player.”

Tottenham striker Alejo Veliz has joined LaLiga side Espanyol on loan for the season. Veliz, who has scored once in eight appearances for Spurs, spent the second half of last term on loan at Sevilla.