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Fulham now plotting formal approach to sign "exciting" South American, contact already made

Fulham are now plotting a formal approach to sign an "exciting" attacking midfielder, and they have already registered their interest.

Cottagers eyeing new attacker with Wilson's future in doubt

Speaking after the 3-1 victory against Sunderland at the weekend, Marco Silva confirmed that no progress has been made towards extending his contract beyond the end of the season.

Silva also made it clear the ongoing talks aren't just about his own future, saying: "I am always in contact with the board. We are preparing not just the present of the club, the future is always in our mind.

"This week again we had a meeting, we are always preparing our first conversations about me and my staff and some players at the end of their contracts. It is not just about myself."

Raul Jimenez, who bagged a brace against the Mackems, is one of the players out of contract this summer, while Harry Wilson could also be set to depart, amid interest from Sunderland, Leeds United and Wrexham.

As such, it may be very important for the Cottagers to improve their forward options at the end of the season, and they are now planning to make a move for an attacking midfielder.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Fulham are now plotting a formal approach to sign Independiente Del Valle star Patrik Mercado, and they have already made contact about a deal, having registered their interest.

The Cottagers are looking to steal a march on rivals Chelsea by signing Mercado, but there could be further competition from elsewhere, with Brighton and AFC Bournemouth plotting moves of their own.

Independiente del Valle's Patrik Mercado in action with Atletico Mineiro's Gustavo Scarpa

The 22-year-old, who can play in the number 10, six and eight roles, is set to leave the Ecuadorian side in the summer, and he could be an exciting long-term signing for the Cottagers...

"Exciting" Mercado impressing in Ecuador

The attacking midfielder really came into his own last season, making 35 appearances in the Liga Pro Serie A, during which time he chipped in with four goals and nine assists.

Lauded as an "exciting" player by scout Jacek Kulig, the South American maestro could now be ready to test himself at a higher level, and Fulham should definitely consider making a move this summer.

That said, the main priority should be to tie Wilson down to a new contract, as the 28-year-old has averaged a FotMob match rating of 7.20 in the Premier League this season, the highest in the Fulham squad, while he is also their joint-top goalscorer.

Fulham's top Premier League goalscorers Number of goals

Harry Wilson 8

Raul Jimenez 8

Alex Iwobi 3

Emile Smith Rowe 3

Samuel Chukwueze 3

Fulham should also give serious consideration to extending Jimenez's deal, considering the Mexican's recent form, netting six goals in his last 11 Premier League games.

PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi celebrates scoring their first goal Related

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The Cottagers have set their sights on a striker.

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