Fulham have now approached the agents of an "incredible" player over a potential move to Craven Cottage, but it may take an offer of £34m to get a deal done, journalist Orazio Accomando has revealed.
Cottagers set sights on new midfielder
The Cottagers are yet to make any additions to their squad this summer, but the recent news that Kenny Tete is set to sign a new deal is a bonus, given that the Dutchman had been linked with a move to Everton.
In terms of potential new arrivals, Marco Silva appears to be particularly keen on strengthening his midfield options this summer, having identified a number of targets over the past month.
Having solidified themselves as a Premier League club, the west Londoners may now be in a position to be a tad more ambitious with their targets, and they have now made an approach for a 2025 Champions League finalist.
That is according to an update from Accomando on X, with the reporter stating that Fulham have now submitted an enquiry over a deal for Inter Milan star Hakan Çalhanoğlu, making contact with the midfielder's agents.
Inter aren't willing to let the maestro leave on the cheap, however, with the Italian club set to hold out for a fee of €40m (£34m), which may be prohibitive for fellow potential suitors Galatasaray, who are only willing to offer €15m (£13m).
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Leeds United are now in a race to sign a defender who has been impressing in Germany.
The 31-year-old "wants" to join Galatasaray, but the Turkish champions may find it difficult to win the race for his signature if a bidding war breaks out, with Manchester United also expressing an interest.
Çalhanoğlu could be "incredible" coup for Fulham
It would be a real statement of intent if Fulham were able to sign a 2025 Champions League finalist, particularly one who played a major role in the Italian side reaching that stage of the competition.
Inter Milan's Hakan Calhanoglu during the warm up before the match
The Inter star was a key player throughout the campaign, regularly providing goals and assists in all competitions, despite often featuring in a deep-lying role.
Competition Appearances Goals Assists
Serie A 29 5 6
Champions League 12 4 2
Italian Cup 4 2 0
The Turk is also vastly experienced at international level, scoring 21 goals in 97 outings for his country, including a remarkable effort at Euro 2024.
Turkey assistant manager Daniele Russo was subsequently left impressed by the Germany-born midfielder, saying: "It goes without saying that he is an incredible player. He is also very good at protecting his young teammates."
As such, Çalhanoğlu could be a statement signing for Fulham this summer, but Galatasaray and Manchester United's interest could pose a problem.