Fulham have joined the race to sign Koffi Djidji this summer and could pip Newcastle United to the capture of the Torino central defender.
The Cottagers have secured their place back in the Premier League and now the rumour mill will kick in. Boss Marco Silva will be targeting a host of new players and defence will be a key area. Keeping it tight at the back will be crucial if Fulham are to stay up.
So it is no surprise that defenders are already being linked with a move. First up Liverpool-bound Fabio Carvalho will need replacing so it will be a busy summer for Silva.
Liverpool’s Joe Gomez has already been linked. The signing would represent a real coup for Fulham. It remains to be seen if the Reds would consider doing a deal. He has played a bit-part role for Jurgen Klopp this season so it is not out of the question.
Gomez could also be open to the possibility of playing regular first-team football with Fulham. Something he has not had with Liverpool this season. Indeed he has started just three games in the Premier League.
Silva will also be looking elsewhere and Djidji has emerged as a target. The 29-year-old was linked with a move to England back in January. He was touted as a possible signing for Newcastle. At the time it was claimed the player was offered to the Magpies. However a deal failed to materialise.
His name is back out there but this time it is Fullham who are mentioned. RMC Sport say that Fulham have already expressed an interest to get the Frenchman on board.
They also report that Greek outfit Olympiakos and Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon are in the hunt. Even so the chance to play in the Premier League could make Fulham favourites. There is also a chance Newcastle could come back in. Eddie Howe wants a new central defender but may set his sights higher.
Djidji has had to deal with a couple of injuries but when fit has had a solid season in Serie A. He has made 21 appearances as Torino sit in midtable.
Fulham could land a bargain
If Fulham did get a deal done it could turn out to be a shrewd bit of business. Djidji has just one year remaining on his deal and would not break the bank.
He has also been part of a very solid Torino defence this season. Only the top four in Serie A have conceded less than the Turin outfit. So it is no surprise Fulham have been alerted.
One issue could be the fact that Silva may have to change his formation to suit him. The Cottagers boss has gone with a back four this season. Torino have played with a back three. Djidji has admitted that system suits him down to the ground. It is the reason he has played so well this season he says.
Even so that is unlikely to prevent a transfer from happening if Fulham do step up their interest and make a move.
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