TBR Football understands that Fulham have identified two attacking targets to replace exit-linked Rodrigo Muniz.
Muniz has expressed his desire to leave Craven Cottage this summer amid emerging interest from Premier League sides and in Europe for the Brazilian’s signature.
Leeds United expressed interest in signing Muniz; however, the forward is disappointing both Leeds and Fulham as he prefers to join Atalanta, and talks are ongoing with the Cottagers.
Sources have informed TBR Football that Fulham have initiated talks with Inter Milan regarding Mehdi Taremi, and discussions are progressing for the 33-year-old, who was also on the radar at Elland Road, alongside Muniz.
Rodrigo Muniz of Fulham during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Nottingham Forest and Fulham at Estádio de São Luis.
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
TBR Football also understands that Fulham are making progress in a deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Kevin.
The 22-year-old is keen to move to Craven Cottage – but Fulham’s opening bid of €30 million, approximately £25 million, was rejected by the Ukrainian giants, and they are set to return for him.
Exclusive: Fulham want two forwards to replace Rodrigo Muniz
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has exclusively revealed that Fulham are hopeful of securing both deals, with Muniz keen on a move to Atalanta.
Bailey states: “Fulham know that Muniz wants to move, he has made it clear, and he feels this is a great move. He realises that Fulham were not keen on him moving within England, so he is hoping they make this one work.
“Fulham are planning for his exit with Taremi and Kevin. They are really hopeful about both those deals. Taremi is a very good player, and they think he will be a very good short-term option.
“Kevin, they are very excited about, but they know it won’t be easy to get him done, and they know he wants to join.”
Shakhtar Donetsk Press Conference And Training Session - UEFA Europa League.
Photo by Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Leeds United will be no competition for Fulham in the race for Taremi after Daniel Farke signed Dominic Calvert-Lewin ahead of his side’s Premier League return.
The Cottagers have been the quietest among all the Premier League sides in the summer transfer window, with the free agent signing of back-up goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte standing as the club’s sole acquisition.
Although Fulham have been urged to sign Richarlison, it appears the Tottenham ace will not be moving to Craven Cottage. With Marco Silva finally prepared to spend some money in West London as he homes in on his two preferred targets.
Fulham have set asking price for Rodrigo Muniz sale
Bailey has also revealed that Fulham have told Atalanta it will take a fee of approximately £43 million for Silva to consider selling the striker.
The 24-year-old featured 31 times in the Premier League last term, mostly off the bench, scoring eight goals, four behind leading goalscorer Raul Jimenez.
Jimenez, at 34, is still viewed as the undisputed option to lead the line at Craven Cottage, although the potential arrival of Taremi could disrupt the status quo.
Fulham FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC - Premier League
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
While it is unknown whether Leeds would have met Fulham’s asking price for Muniz, it appears Atalanta are at least willing to table a competitive bid as talks are progressing well.
With just over a fortnight to go until the summer transfer window slams shut, the Cottagers are running out of time to bolster the squad before the deadline – the sale of Muniz could accelerate the business in West London.