Fulham accelerate Chelsea winger signing after Nott’m Forest hijack deal for first choice target
Fulham are sizing up a Chelsea winger who Mauricio Pochettino will gladly ditch after Nottingham Forest held face-to-face talks with their preferred target, per a report.
The Cottagers confounded expectations last season, finishing in 10th position despite many believing they were among the favourites to go down when the season began.
Two players who stood up tall for Marco Silva’s side were Willian and Aleksandar Mitrovic. However, Silva could potentially be without both men come the start of next season.
Indeed, Al Hilal have lodged an offer worth around £25.5m for Mitrovic. Fulham rejected the bid, though Romano suggested ‘more talks’ will take place.
What’s more, clouding Fulham’s ability to retain Mitrovic is Sky Sports’ claim Mitrovic wants out.
Elsewhere, Willian has seen his one-year contract at Craven Cottage expire and per the Evening Standard, has received a more lucrative proposal from Nottingham Forest.
The Standard stated the veteran Brazilian, 34, has held face-to-face talks with Forest who are prepared to pay higher wages than Fulham.
Forest are now deemed ‘confident’ of wrapping up a deal that will force Fulham into exploring alternative options.
To that end, the Standard state Fulham have wasted no time lining up Chelsea wideman, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
All three of Forest, Crystal Palace and Fulham are in the mix for Hudson-Odoi. However, it’s suggested Forest progressing in their quest to sign Willian will aid Fulham’s chances of signing Hudson-Odoi. Indeed, if Forest land Willian, they’ll not pursue Hudson-Odoi too.
Hudson-Odoi, 22, is among those believed to be transfer listed at Stamford Bridge this summer. He has interest from Saudi Arabia, thought the Standard add Hudson-Odoi will snub the interest in favour of remaining in the Premier League.
A prior report from London World revealed new Blues boss Pochettino is more than happy to part ways with Hudson-Odoi this window.
With Willian closing in on a free agent move to Forest, the path is clearing for Fulham to land Hudson-Odoi as his successor.