Fulham have now overtaken two of their Premier League rivals in the race for a striker, having tabled an official offer, according to a report.
Cottagers eyeing striker despite Atalanta ending Muniz pursuit
Atalanta have been heavily linked with a move for Rodrigo Muniz this summer, but the Italian club have grown tired of waiting for the Cottagers to lower their lofty asking price, instead opting to make a move for Lecce striker Nikola Krstovic.
As such, Muniz is now expected to remain at Craven Cottage this summer, which is likely to be music to Marco Silva's ears, given that the Brazilian once again underlined his importance to the side by scoring a dramatic late equaliser against Brighton at the weekend.
As such, there may be little reason for Silva to bring in a centre-forward capable of immediately challenging for Muniz's starting spot, but an approach has been made for an up-and-coming prospect.
Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz reacts after the match
Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz reacts after the match
That is according to a report from Mozzart Sport, which states Fulham have now submitted an official offer for Partizan Belgrade striker Dusan Jovanovic, who has also been identified as a target for Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.
However, after making an opening bid, a move to Craven Cottage is now deemed the 'most concrete' option, indicating the west Londoners have overtaken their Premier League rivals in the race for Jovanovic's signature.
That said, a report from TV Arena Sport suggests the Cottagers are not prepared to spend big on the 19-year-old, having only offered €250k (£216k), which was knocked back, with the Serbian club looking for at least €1m (£860k).
"Fantastic" Jovanovic is one for the future
It remains to be seen whether Fulham are able to get a deal over the line, having tabled what has been deemed an insultingly low offer, but there are signs the youngster could be an exciting long-term addition to the squad.
Most notably, the teenager maintained a very impressive goal and assist record at youth level across the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns.
Season League appearances Goal contributions
2022-23 29 19
2023-24 23 22
As such, the Serbian has been able to force himself into first-team contention at a very young age, having now made 19 appearances for the senior Partizan side, while he is also held in high regard by scout Jacek Kulig.
Kulig has lauded Jovanovic as "fantastic" in the past, indicating the starlet could go on to be successful in the Premier League, although that is unlikely to be in the near future, given that he is yet to properly establish himself in Serbia.