Fulham made a bid for Steve Mounie last summer – but his superb form for Montpellier has now attracted interest from Watford and West Brom.
Chris Martin was clearly unsettled at Fulham
It’s fair to say Chris Martin’s return to Derby County upon the expiry of his loan spell at Craven Cottage won’t have surprised anyone at Fulham.
After all, the Scotland striker’s attempts to worm his way out of a season-long loan and return to Pride Park in January meant it was always unlikely that The Cottagers would risk triggering their option to sign him permanently.
Nonetheless, Slavisa Jokanovic’s side are still one striker short. And the fact that no forward in Fulham’s squad netted more than Martin’s ten in 2016/17 means a replacement is required.
And Steve Mounie could be the man they’re looking for. According to L’Equipe, Fulham have made a concrete offer for the Montpellier frontman – and this is not the first time the London club have made their interest known.
The Daily Mail reported last summer that Montpellier rejected a £2.5 million offer from Fulham after they had identified Mounie as the ideal replacement for Aston Villa-bound Ross McCormack. At the time, the Benin international had netted 11 goals on loan at Ligue 2 outfit Nimes.
However, Fulham could rue failing to strike a deal twelve months ago. Because, since then, Mounie has exploded onto the scene in the French top flight.
Steve Mounie enjoyed a superb breakthrough season in 2016/17
Despite only making two Ligue 1 appearances for Montpellier before last season, Mounie plundered a remarkable 14 goals in 32 starts, essentially saving the 2012 champions from relegation.
As a result, it appears that Fulham are now facing huge competition for his signature. The Daily Mail report that top flight duo Watford and West Brom have joined the chase, with Mounie now eyeing up a move to the Premier League.
Furthermore, Montpellier will now demand £13 million for their prized asset. Therefore, it appears that Mounie could be one that got away for Fulham.
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