Fulham manager Chris Coleman confirmed that the Whites are close to completing a deal to sign midfielder Claudio Reyna from Sunderland.
The Welshman told his pre-match media conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Everton that he expects the American’s arrival to be announced before the end of the week.
“We’re pretty close to signing Claudio Reyna now. Hopefully we’ll be getting him through the door very shortly. He won’t be in for Saturday, but everything’s agreed; we’ve just got one or two details to sort out, but we’re very optimistic that he’ll be a Fulham player shortly.
“He’s got great experience, he’s the captain of his country, a superb midfield player, he’s very busy and he’s a team player. I’ve said all along that I’ve got money to spend, but I’m only going to bring in the right type of player and Claudio Reyna is the right type. We’re delighted that we’re very close to signing him, and if we get him through the door he’ll be a great asset for us.”
Coleman also denied reports that Steve Marlet was seeking to return to France just days after his man-of-the-match display in the opening weekend win over Middlesbrough.
“I’ve spoken to Steve today – he doesn’t want to leave Fulham and we don’t want him to leave. So he isn’t going anywhere. Anybody who saw him on Saturday will know that he didn’t perform like a player who wanted to leave the club – he was outstanding. He’s very much part of our plans.”
