Fulham defender Abdeslam Ouaddou has been allowed to return to French football with Rennes by Fulham.

The gangly defender has agreed a season-long loan deal with the French outfit after being told he would not be first choice next season at Fulham.

It was thought the departure of Steve Finnan may increase the African’s first team chances, but he is not part of Chris Coleman’s plans.

Rennes had made Ouaddou one of their top summer transfer targets with Laszlo Boloni a big fan of the player having had him under his stewardship at former club Nancy.

Ajaccio, Le Mans, St Etienne and Belgian outfit Standard Liege have all been linked with Ouaddou, but Rennes look to have won the race for his signature.

The deal should be rubber-stamped this week.