Atletico Madrid midfielder Raul Garcia is on Fulham’s radar as Martin Jol looks to strengthen his depleted midfield.
The Cottagers boss was one of several managers interested in the 26-year-old during the summer transfer window but was put off by Atletico’s £7 million asking price.
However, Jol looks set to renew his interest in the former Spanish under-21 come January, given his lack of options in the middle of the park. A host of midfielders left Craven Cottage in the summer, Dickson Etuhu and Danny Muphy both departed as well as the high profile transfers of Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey.
With Mahamadou Diarra a long term lay off, a dependable, experienced central midfielder is vital. With three wins from the opening five games it’s been a solid, if unspectacular start for Jol’s side. Fulham have looked impressive in their victories, particularly going forward.The Dutchman completed two shrewd signings in the form of Dimitar Berbatov and Mladen Petric over the summer, which gives him a number of exciting attacking options.
Added to that is Bryan Ruiz and Hugo Rodallega and with such players at their disposal Fulham have the potential to have a successful season. But a midfielder, if not two, will be important if the forwards are to prosper.
With European experience Garcia could be a big asset for Fulham. Creative, yet a solid presence at the heart of midfield his ability to protect the back four whilst also providing the front men with the chances to get the goals they are clearly capable of getting.
Nigel Re0-Coker and Thomas Hitzlesperger are two names who are rumoured to be on their way to London, with the former Bolton man seemingly a more likely option. Neither are spectacular signings, but they are both available immediately and at this stage getting numbers on board is the most important thing.
That said, both have Premier League experience. Reo-Coker in particular, with his tireless work rate and bite in the tackle, is good value as there is no transfer fee involved.
With a solid defence and an impressive attack Fulham look as if they will be difficult to beat this season. Given their summer departures few will have expected them to do well. But with a bit more assurance in midfield a promising season is on the cards.
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