Lugo centre-back Marcelo Djalo could be the first new player at Craven Cottage this summer with Fulham move edging nearer.
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic
Fulham are edging ever closer to their first major signing of the summer, although the shiny new striker fans may be hoping for appears to remain out of their grasp for now.
Slavisa Jokanovic’s side have made bids for three goal-scorers this summer after Chris Martin returned to Derby County upon the expiry of his loan spell, Steve Mounie, Rui Fonte and now Diego Rolan, but it appears that a centre-half could get them off the mark in the summer window.
Because the Daily Mail claims that the Cottagers are close to agreeing a deal to sign 23-year-old defender Marcelo Djalo from Spanish second division side Lugo.
Sky Sports claim that the Barcelona-born Djalo had been identified as a potential target by Fulham’s statistical analysis team.
Though the deal could cause some division at Craven Cottage as the report adds that some of Fulham’s coaching staff are not convinced that Djalo would be a good addition to the squad.
Nonetheless, the 6ft 4ins stopper, who was signed by Juventus in 2014 but did not make a single appearance, will be under pressure to solidify a defence which conceded 57 goals in the Championship last season.
And you wonder whether Fulham are stepping up their pursuit of Djalo in response to reports that Tomas Kalas could be on his way elsewhere. The Czech Republic defender spent an impressive season on loan at Craven Cottage from London rivals Chelsea, confirming at the end of the season that he would jump at the chance to stay.
Fulham look set to miss out on Tomas Kalas
However, the Hull Daily Mail now claim that Hull City, whose manager Leonid Slutsky is a close friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, are now leading the chase.
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