Fulham are ready to join the battle to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike as Aleksandar Mitrovic edges closer to leaving.
The Cottagers are on the brink of finalising Mitrovic‘s move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal for around £43m.
And Ekitike, who has also attracted interest from Everton, West Ham and a host of European clubs, is on the list of stars who could replace the Serb.
Ekitike, 21, spent last season on loan at PSG from Stade Reims and the deal was made permanent earlier in the summer for £24m.
Nonetheless, the Ligue 1 champs are already looking to cash in on the Under-20 international and want between £30m-£34m.
Meanwhile, Craven Cottage chief Marco Silva has scarcely hidden his displeasure at the manner of Mitrovic’s impending exit.
Replacing the 81-cap poacher would be a headache for most Prem clubs.
And the ex-Newcastle ace, 28, has amassed 111 goals in 205 games for Fulham, including 14 in the Premier League last season.
But his glowing status with fans was damaged by claims last month he refused to play for the Cottagers again after Al-Hilal had an initial bid rejected.
In the end, Mitrovic came off the bench in last week’s 1-0 win at Everton.
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But he missed the Cottagers’ second Prem match – Saturday’s 3-0home loss to Brentford – as he jetted out to complete his lucrative deal.
Silva said: “He forced everything to leave the club, he wanted to leave the club.”
“If you ask me if it is normal? No. If you ask me if football players should behave in this way? No. That is the easy answer.”
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