Fulham’s £4.5m deal to sign the Lyon attacking midfielder Steed Malbranque has been delayed by French red tape, according to the Evening Standard.
The French under-21 international, who is keen to work under Jean Tigana at Craven Cottage, was expected to complete his move today but the formal confirmation of the transfer has now been held up by paperwork that needs to be provided by Lyon. Malbranque agreed personal terms with the Premiership newboys in London yesterday and has undertaken a medical at Motspur Park, but club spokesperson Sarah Brookes told the Standard that the deal would not be completed until later in the week.
 “We have come to an agreement in principle with Lyon and an agreement in principle over personal terms. It will be later in the week now. We’re still waiting for some administrative work to be done in Lyon.”
