The Cottagers stopper, called up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate earlier this season, is currently out of favour in west London.
Premier League strugglers Southampton have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli in the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old came through the ranks at Craven Cottage and has made 105 senior appearances for the club, including 29 in the Championship last season en route to playoff final glory (Transfermarkt).
This term, Bettinelli has made seven appearances in the Premier League, missing the first two games of the season but starting each of the following seven.
Since the 4-2 loss against Cardiff on 20 October, however, he has had to make do with a place on the bench, with Sergio Rico now in between the sticks.
Despite only signing a Fulham contract extension to 2021 in October, the Daily Mail has claimed that Bettinelli may have to consider a move if he is to remain in England contention.
The stopper was called up by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate in September this year for matches against Spain and Switzerland (Sky Sports), though he remains uncapped at senior level.
Just under 77 miles away to the south-west, the Saints are believed to be identifying potential replacements for Alex McCarthy, who is reportedly being eyed by other Premier League clubs.
The report suggests that, as Bettinelli is a potentially available, talented goalkeeper who also meets the Premier League’s homegrown regulations, Southampton are having a closer look at him.
Earlier this year, Bettinelli was linked – also by the Daily Mail – to two of Fulham’s London rivals, West Ham United and Crystal Palace.
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