Fulham are considering tabling a £5m offer for Cardiff City striker Robert Earnshaw, according to reports from Wales this morning.

Chris Coleman believes the Welsh international, who has scored 22 goals for the Bluebirds in Division One this season, could be the ideal replacement for Manchester United-bound Louis Saha having seen an offer for West Ham’s Jermain Defoe turned down. Fulham have reportedly watched Earnshaw on a number of occasions this season, with scouts from several of the leading Premier League sides taking a closer look at the speedy striker following his fine displays for Wales.

The 22 year-old, who had a trial at Craven Cottage under Kevin Keegan, has three goals in eight senior appearances for Mark Hughes’ side, who are in the running to reach Euro 2004. He has yet to sign the one-year contract extension that Cardiff have offered him as a reward for his outstanding recent form and is understood to be open to making a move to the top flight.

Earnshaw’s agent Mel Eves told the Western Mail: “I’m aware of the speculation linking Earnie with Fulham but at the moment that is all it is. As far as I’m aware, Fulham have not made any kind of approach to Cardiff for Earnie and neither have I had any contact with them.”