According to trade specialist Fabrizio Romano, Fulham has now made an offer to sign a 53-cap international defender on a loan agreement with a buyout clause.
Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz’s goals sealed a second-half comeback for the Cottagers at St. James’ Park on Saturday, moving them up to ninth in the Premier League standings and putting them in the running for the top six.
Marco Silva’s team is now within four points of rival Chelsea, who are now in sixth position, and is vying for a spot in Europe after their thrilling victory over Newcastle United.
Although the west Londoners’ January transfer window has been quiet, Silva might believe that some new players are required before tomorrow’s deadline if he wants his team’s hopes of playing in Europe to come true.
According to reports earlier this week, Fulham was interested in two forwards: Brodie Dair of St. Johnstone and Dusan Jovanovic of Partisan Belgrade. The Scottish team reportedly accepted an offer for the former.
With Romano confirming that they have made a loan proposal for Zeki Celik of AS Roma, which contains an obligation to buy provision, it now looks as though the Cottagers are also eager to bolster their defence.
Claudio Ranieri has not yet approved the offer for Celik, and the Italian team is reportedly assessing it. Negotiations are expected to continue before to the transfer deadline.
A loan agreement with a buyout clause would be alluring because, according to a report by Gianluca Di Marzio, Roma wants to permanently remove the right-back off the books after signing former Ajax captain Devyne Rensch this month.
Kenny Tete replacement needed at Craven Cottage
It makes sense to try to get the Roma right-back before the transfer window closes since Silva may use additional options at right-back given that Kenny Tete is expected to be out for a long time owing to a knee injury.
With 53 caps for his nation, the Turk has a wealth of international experience. This season, he has been regularly used in all competitions for his present employers, including seven Europa League appearances.
Celik might find it challenging to get into the starting lineup right away because Castagne has generally been a reliable right-back in Tete’s absence, but it is undoubtedly encouraging that Silva is trying to add more defensive depth.
The fact that Silva’s team is well-stocked in attack was highlighted by goals from Jimenez and Muniz to seal the victory at St. James’ Park on Saturday. The former now has nine Premier League goals this season, so a new right-back seems to be the first priority.
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