A rare sighting of Giles Barnes in a Fulham jersey – at Old Trafford

Giles Barnes reckons his move to Fulham – which seemed dead in the water at the end of season – could be back on.

The 20 year-old midfielder saw his loan move from Derby badly disrupted by injuries and didn’t make a first-team appearance for Fulham despite being at the club since January. Barnes believes that his permanent move is down to money.

I’ve been told that Fulham have gone back to Derby a couple of times since I returned – but it’s all down to price. If it comes off, that would be great – but I’m a Derby player and they’ve looked after me, and I’d be happy to stay here if it’s not meant to be.

Roy Hodgson had been reluctant to take a chance on Barnes because of his fitness problems and the fact that the youngster hadn’t featured in the Premier League for Fulham. But Barnes says he’s been working hard on his fitness and that it wouldn’t be a gamble should Fulham choose to part with some cash.

If anything, I’ve worked so hard on my fitness I’m almost match ready. I’m running and kicking a ball already, so it would only take a few games to bring me totally up to speed.

He’s also had some encouragement from the senior pros at Motspur Park.

I spoke to Danny Murphy and he said he and the rest of the Fulham lads would be disappointed if it didn’t come off. If you hear that from him, you know it’s no empty praise. He also said there was nothing more that I could do to make it happen – and that’s good enough for me.