Journalist Graeme Bailey has shared an exciting Fulham transfer update involving Arsenal defender Cedric Soares.

The Lowdown: Soares issue...

Despite talks being held over the 31-year-old's signature, with Marco Silva's side looking to sign him on loan before January 31, there has been an issue in getting it over the line in regards to loan quota rules.

Fulham already have both Shane Duffy (Brighton) and Dan James (Leeds) on temporary deals at the club and rules state English clubs can only have a maximum of two players on loan from domestic sides (Dharmesh Sheth).

As a result, to sign Soares, the Premier League side must either sign the Arsenal man permanently, offload one of James or Duffy or sign either of those players permanently instead.

The Latest: Bailey shares Soares update...

Writing on Twitter, 90min reporter Bailey has an exciting transfer update for Fulham supporters involving Soares.

The Portuguese defender is now apparently 'set to join' Silva's side as the club come up with a solution in regards to the loan quota rules.

Fulham plan to get around the legislation by making Duffy's loan move from Brighton a permanent one, freeing up space in their squad for the addition of Soares.

The Verdict: Brilliant move...

The former Southampton star could come as a very shrewd addition to Silva's roster and one with plenty of Premier League experience - not to mention international.

Soares was a member of Portugal's triumphant Euro 2016 winning-squad and played the full 90 minutes of all three group games in their 2018 World Cup campaign (Transfermarkt).

The right-back was also a regular at St. Mary's before finding regular game time difficult to come by at Arsenal.

Silva arguably needs a new full-back on the right side and one with at least some top flight pedigree, especially as a back-up alternative to the likes of Kevin Mbabu.

Soares fits the bill, especially on a fairly risk-free loan deal, with Arsenal legends even praising the player at points for his outings when giving a stable run in the first team.

Gilberto Silva hailed the defender as 'fantastic' mid-way through the 2020/2021 season and we believe he could be the ideal fit to succeed at Craven Cottage.