The Derby County top scorer should be well known to Fulham and their manager.
Several Derby County fans fear the sale of Matej Vydra after the Rams’ play-off exit at the hands of Fulham on Tuesday.
Derby cashed in on key men Thomas Ince and Will Hughes to fund last summer’s spending spree, and look like having to do likewise again after their chairman, Mel Morris, vowed not to make further significant investments should they fail to go up.
After 22 goals and four assists in 44 games this campaign, Vydra is the obvious source to provide fresh income. But where might the Czech end up? Is it possible that Derby have not seen the last of Fulham?
Vydra is certainly well known to the Cottagers, having played – and thrived – under their manager, Slavisa Jokanovic, at Watford, and scored against them earlier in the season.
While the 26-year-old’s position, which can be anywhere across the forward line, is one in which Fulham could look to strengthen during the summer transfer window, especially with the loan spells of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Lucas Piazon coming to an end.
And, as someone whose best work tends to come from a deeper role, Vydra would be a useful replacement for the latter player in particular.
What could be an issue is Fulham’s ability to afford the former Udinese man – an eight-figure player, on this season’s form – albeit one their promotion would surely eradicate.
But even with this their final year of parachute payments, the Cottagers have several assets of their own on whom they could cash in if not – notably Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney.
Vydra to the Cottage? It could be one to keep an eye on.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
