EXCLUSIVE: Fulham laying groundwork to bring exciting Serie A star to Craven Cottage
Fulham have joined the chase to sign AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli, TEAMtalk understands.
The 27-year-old has been at the San Siro since 2015, having come through the ranks at Roma. He was made club captain three years later following Leonardo Bonnuci’s return to Juventus. However, after seven years at the club, a parting of ways looks to be on the cards.
That’s because Romagnoli’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season and he is yet to agree terms on a new deal.
Talks have been ongoing, but so far no agreement has been reached.
Indeed, reports suggest Milan have only offered him a deal worth €2.8m a year, less than half the reported €6m a year he currently earns.
The issue for the player is that he has dropped down the pecking order under Stefano Pioli. Indeed, with Pierre Kalulu, Matteo Gabbia and Fikayo Tomiri as options, Romangoli has been found himself in and out of the side.
That said, he has still played 25 times in all competitions this season.
A number of their Serie A rivals are looking closely at Romagnoli, though he has garnered interest from abroad.
And we can confirm one of those is Fulham, who are on the brink of promotion back to the Premier League. Marco Silva’s side are already planning for life back in the top-flight and are drawing up a shopping list.
Defence was an issue the last time they were in the Premier League, and they believe someone like Alessio Romagnoli could be a great option for them.
Fulham also eyeing ambitious Liverpool swoop
Given their need to strengthen in defence, it’s little surprise to see the Cottagers also being linked with other defenders.
As such, Wednesday’s Paper Talk claims the Championship leaders are making plans to swoop for two Liverpool players. One, they already have, in the shape of on-loan full-back Neco Williams. The other, perhaps more ambitiously, is Joe Gomez.
Williams came through the academy ranks at Liverpool but has struggled for gametime at senior level. Therefore, he went to Fulham on loan in January.
The 20-year-old has started nine Championship matches since, scoring two goals and assisting the same number. He also made one appearance in the FA Cup.
In contrast, he only made four starts for Liverpool in the first part of the season. None came in the Premier League, a competition in which he only managed seven minutes of action.
It is clear that the loan move has been beneficial for the Welshman. With that in mind, Fulham could be looking to make the move permanent, or if they cannot, at least extend the loan for another season.
But they would not just stop with Williams if they are able to get him. Ot’s also reported they are in contention to sign Gomez.
The England defender has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield this season despite overcoming a serious knee injury.
The likes of Newcastle, Tottenham and Aston Villa are also chasing the £30m-rated star.
READ MORE: West Ham ready to take advantage of small window to land Fulham star in bargain £10m deal