Premier League newcomers Fulham want a new left-back with Barnsley’s Callum Styles and Real Betis’ Alex Moreno on Marco Silva’s radar, as reported by The Mirror and AS.
There is no room for sentiment at Craven Cottage. Not if Fulham are to avoid a repeat of their last two top-flight campaigns.
Antonee Robinson might have been a key cog in Silva’s winning machine during an excellent 2021/22 campaign but can the jet-heeled American make the step up required? Fulham’s interest in both Styles and Moreno suggests that the Cottagers are looking for, if not a replacement, then someone capable of competing with Robinson for a place in the starting XI.
Styles, a Bury-born Hungary international, is also a target for Bournemouth and play-off winners Nottingham Forest. And, after Barnsley were relegated from the Championship, the technically-gifted, versatile Styles is making no secret of his desire to move on.
“Our (Hungary) team has really, really good players also and the standard is very good, so that is obviously going to help push my dream of becoming a Premier League player,” says Styles, who came off the bench during Saturday’s 1-0 UEFA Nations League triumph over Gareth Southgate’s side.
“Me and the club have spoken and we think it is the best time to move on. Fingers crossed somebody will come in with an offer because I want to play at the top. The club have said that’s how they see it as well, so hopefully it will be an easy process.”
Fulham target Real Betis’ Alex Moreno and Barnsley’s Callum Styles
Styles will certainly come a lot cheaper than Moreno.
One of the most productive, swashbuckling left-backs in La Liga, Moreno was a revelation as Real Betis secured their first piece of silverware in 17 years last term. He produced a combined ten goals and assists from his so-called ‘defensive’ role, and Fulham are reportedly willing to pay in excess of £13 million.
Betis are unlikely to stand in Moreno’s way either.
The former Espanyol man recently turned 29 and Manuel Pellegrini already has a readymade replacement in Juan Miranda.
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