Fulham have joined the race for Blackburn Rovers ace Joe Rothwell while holding talks with Braga’s £13 million enforcer Al-Musrati, according to the Lancashire Telegraph and A Bola.
Marco Silva’s Championship champions are yet to complete a single signing since being crowned winners of the second tier a couple of weeks ago.
That will change sooner rather than later, however, with Fulham spinning more plates than you’ll find at a traditional Greek wedding.
The Cottagers are in negotiations with Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, while a £7 million deal for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon is still on the cards.
O Jogo claimed earlier this week, meanwhile, that 40-cap Libyan international Al-Musrati was in talks over a potential £13 million move.
Silva is understood to be a big fan of the tough-tackling, 6ft 4ins Al-Musrati. If a lack of defensive security was the main reason why Fulham flopped during their last couple of seasons in the big-time, then a colossal defensive midfielder who averages an impressive 2.1 tackles per game will be a very welcome addition (WhoScored).
A Bola now claim that Al-Musrati, who played the best football of his career under Carlos Carvalhal last term, will be Braga’s first sale of the summer. Though Fulham are now facing competition from clubs in France’s Ligue 1.
Will Fulham land Al-Musrati and Joe Rothwell?
According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Fulham are hot on the heels of another midfielder. A far more adventurous, attack-minded player than Al-Musrati.
Joe Rothwell, arguably the finest ball-carrier in the EFL, will leave Blackburn when his contract expires in July. Fulham have joined the likes of Nottingham Forest and West Brom in making their interest known.
- How Rangers’ XI could look in 22/23, including 5 new signings
- How West Ham’s XI could look in 22/23 with 4 new signings
“We’ve been talking about how amazing Joe Rothwell is,” former Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray said of the one-time Manchester United trainee.
“His technique and his outstanding ability to run with the ball… He is the best in this league at running with the ball. And he’d be one of the best in the Premier League.
“Adama Traore and Saint-Maximin at Newcastle – there aren’t many people who can run with the ball like Joe Rothwell.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
