Fulham are now primed to move for a 23-goal striker who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.
Cottagers eyeing new striker amid Silva uncertainty
There has been doubt over Marco Silva's future in west London for quite some time, with Tottenham Hotspur among the clubs keen on the Portuguese manager, and the latest update from BBC Sport's Simon Stone doesn't exactly do much to allay fears.
Stone said: "They have just had their third mid-table finish but I got the strong feeling around March-time that Silva felt Europe, either through the league or FA Cup, was a possibility. He will want improvement. If he doesn't think he will get it, Silva is bound to start looking at his options."
As such, the hierarchy may feel the need to build a squad capable of competing for a place in Europe next season, in order to tempt Silva into staying, and they have now set their sights on a new striker target.
Fulham manager Marco Silva before the match
Indeed, according to a report from The Express, Fulham are now primed to pounce on a deal for Hamburg striker Davie Selke, who is in line to leave the German club on a free transfer this summer, should he be unable to agree a new deal.
Remaining at Hamburg is a possibility, but there is certainly no shortage of interest from elsewhere, which could turn the forward's head, with West Ham United and Leeds United also being named as potential suitors.
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The Cottagers have made an opening bid for a new defender.
RB Leipzig are in pole position to sign the 30-year-old, however, which could make a deal difficult to orchestrate for the Cottagers, and they have a number of other potential alternative options on their shortlist.
Hamburg finally ended their seven-year Bundesliga absence this season, securing a second-place finish to clinch promotion, and the German forward played a fundamental role in their success, scoring 23 goals in all competitions.
Former FC Köln manager Steffen Baumgart has also given an overview of the marksman's abilities in the past, saying: "He creates spaces for his teammates, he can be nasty for the opponent and gives presence in the penalty area."
Raul Jimenez enjoyed a solid 2024-25 campaign, netting 12 Premier League goals, but it could be a smart move to bring in a striker capable of competing for the Mexican's spot, considering he is now 34-years-old and arguably in his twilight years.
A track record of goals in the German second tier doesn't necessarily mean Selke would be a success in the Premier League, but given that he is set to be available on a free transfer, it is certainly worth Fulham taking a punt this summer.