Fulham in negotiations to sign Kluivert

Fulham are in negotiations to sign AS Roma forward Justin Kluivert, according to an Italian report.

The Lowdown: Fresh start needed

The 23-year-old has never really been a part of Jose Mourinho’s plans since his arrival in the dugout last year. The Portuguese coach sent him straight out on loan to Nice upon his appointment, where he has been in ‘world class’ form (Jacek Kulig).

The attacker only has just under 12 months remaining on his contract in Serie A, leaving his future up in the air, and being so out of favour under the manager, a permanent exit is almost destined to happen.

There have been several clubs linked with a move for the Dutchman this window, including Premier League side West Ham, but it’s the Cottagers who have now emerged as a surprising suitor.

The Latest: Fulham in contact with Kluivert

Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness) report that Fulham are holding ‘ongoing contacts’ with Kluivert, but are set to face competition from Torino for his signature.

The source states that Marco Silva’s team are ‘keen’ and ‘pressing hard’ to secure his services, though there is currently ‘no mention’ of the fee that the Cottagers would be required to pay to land him.

It’s believed that the winger is ‘looking for a new adventure’ after accepting that he doesn’t fit Mourinho’s project, with Roma chief Tiago Pinto ‘working on a solution’ to find him a new home.

The Verdict: Exciting creative addition

Silva has already added both Andreas Pereira and Manor Solomon to his attacking ranks this summer, but he clearly doesn’t want to stop there.

Kluivert, who sports journalist Josh Bunting hailed for causing PSG ‘problems’, was a real threat in the final third for Nice last season, averaging 1.5 successful dribbles and 1.3 key passes per game, as well as making nine goal contributions, via WhoScored.

Whether Roma’s asking price will match Fulham’s valuation yet remains to be seen, but if the opportunity is right, this is a fantastic creative move that the boss should look at getting wrapped up as soon as possible.