Newcastle United and Southampton are set to miss out on a summer transfer for Matt Grimes with the Swansea star closing in on a move to Fulham, according to the Daily Mail.
The Toon and Saints are among a clutch of sides who were interested in the midfielder. But Grimes is electing to join Fulham as Marco Silva continues assembling a squad that he hopes can secure the Cottagers an instant return to the Premier League next season.
Fulham completed the £12m signing of Harry Wilson from Liverpool over the weekend. They also acquired Paulo Gazzaniga on a free after the goalkeeper left Tottenham at the end of last season. And now want one of the Championship’s most consistent players in Grimes.
Fulham will host Grimes for his medical this week ahead of their second-tier curtain-raising trip to Blackburn on August 7. The 26-year-old’s imminent Swansea exit was also a leading factor in manager Steve Cooper stepping down at the Liberty Stadium.
But rather than step up to the Premier League with Newcastle or Southampton, Grimes has chosen to join Fulham. The Jacks captain only missed one Championship fixture last season and started 45 of his 48 appearances, including the play-offs.
He also scored twice and provided four assists, but was unable to lead the south Wales side to Wembley glory. Swansea lost the play-off final 2-0 to Brentford, ensuring they remain in the second-tier for a fourth season.
Newcastle and Southampton miss out on excellence with Grimes joining Fulham
Newcastle and Southampton would have surely loved to have a consistent performer like Fulham-bound Grimes in their ranks. The £10,000-per-week technician was a star week in, week out for Swansea and a firm favourite of former boss Cooper.
Grimes delivered wonderful performances on a regular basis in south Wales to show his Premier League potential. He flourished in an all-action central role, with great use of the ball, while offering defensive support. Often limiting the threat opposing sides offered.
Cooper was also full of praise for Grimes last season, telling Swansea’s club website in January: “He has been a real captain, showing both sides of the game and excelling at them. He is getting goals, and he should be because he is a great technician.
“But his all-round performance is excellent, we will keep pushing him to improve but he deserves recognition because he is playing really, really well at the moment.”
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