---
title: "Fulham: Cottagers eyeing ‘shock’ Ben Whiteman move"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-fulham-ben-whiteman-move-latest-transfer-rumours/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Fulham News"
published: "2023-01-22T11:05:17Z"
modified: "2023-01-22T11:05:17Z"
---

# Fulham: Cottagers eyeing ‘shock’ Ben Whiteman move

**[Fulham](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/fulham-fc-news/) are eyeing a ‘shock’ move for Preston North End midfielder Ben Whiteman as [Marco Silva](https://www.footballfancast.com/tag/marco-silva) looks for midfield reinforcements at Craven Cottage.**

### The Lowdown: Fulham flying…

The Cottagers boss has enjoyed a stellar campaign back in the [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/), guiding the west Londoners to [seventh in the table](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) and just two points off a Europa League place.

With a win against Spurs on Monday, Fulham could even [leapfrog](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) Antonio Conte’s side into fifth – a victory which would highlight their deserved top-flight status after winning automatic promotion last year.

A very impressive post-World Cup run has seen Silva’s side clinch [four wins out of their last five](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/34/Fulham/results) in the league, and it took a Champions League-chasing Newcastle to [end their winning streak](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) last Sunday with a stoppage time goal.

Despite the Cottagers’ electric form, it is believed that they want to upgrade their options in central midfield, leading Fulham to [consider a move](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/21119129/fulham-ben-whiteman-transfer-preston/amp/) for Abdoulaye Doucoure.

### The Latest: Fulham eyeing ‘shock’ Whiteman move…

According to [The Sun](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/21119129/fulham-ben-whiteman-transfer-preston/amp/), it appears that Fulham have a ‘cheaper alternative’ in mind to the Everton ace in Preston midfielder Whiteman.

It is believed that the Cottagers are eyeing a ‘shock’ move for the 26-year-old as Fulham surprisingly shortlist the [£5m man](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/21119129/fulham-ben-whiteman-transfer-preston/amp/) as a new target.

Fulham also apparently ‘know’ that he would ‘jump at the chance’ to make a move to the top flight.

### The Verdict: Good option?

The [League One-winning](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ben-whiteman/profil/spieler/347389) midfielder could come as a solid option for Silva if the Fulham boss wishes to add more depth to his midfield before January 31.

As per [WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/181/Show/England-Preston), Whiteman stands out as a key player at Deepdale, starting 24 Championship matches this season and playing their fourth-highest amount of league minutes. The [former Manchester United trainee](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/21119129/fulham-ben-whiteman-transfer-preston/amp/#:~:text=former%20Manchester%20United%20trainee) also ranks in Preston’s [top four](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/181/Show/England-Preston) overall performers and [top three](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/181/Show/England-Preston) for interceptions made and tackles won per 90.

A defensive midfielder, Whiteman can also contribute going forward, having scored [two goals](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/181/Show/England-Preston) with a[further two assists](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/181/Show/England-Preston) added to his record.

The Englishman would also add to Silva’s homegrown roster, and for £5m, it is a fairly low-risk move financially.