Fulham are close to completing a deal to sign Swansea centre back Alfie Mawson, according to reports this afternoon.

The Whites continued their blockbuster summer transfer window by making a late move for the former England under-21 international on Friday. Fulham’s reported £20m offer has been considered by the Swansea board – and the Premier League new boys are apparently willing to go as high as £25m in order to strengthen their defensive options with the highly-rated centre back. It is thought that most elements of a potential deal are now in place and Fulham believe they could finalise the signing by the middle of next week.

It seems as if Fulham’s interest has put them in pole position to buy Mawson, who had previously been linked with a move to Burnley and West Ham. Sky Sports are suggesting that both those clubs have now cooled their interested in the former Barnsley defender and Mawson is believed to be keen on making a return to the capital having been born in Hillingdon. The 24 year-old has told Swansea that he sees his future in the top flight following their relegation – and the Welsh outfit have been preparing for his likely departure this summer. They are eager to realise as big a fee as possible for the popular defender as Barnsley have a sell-on clause agreed when he left Oakwell.

Mawson is considered as one of England’s most promising ball-players centre backs and impressed as an ever-present in a struggling Swansea side last season. His composed performances earned a call-up to the England squad for the pre-World Cup friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy in march, although he did not win a first senior cap. Mawson is confident of making a return to full fitness in August despite undergoing knee surgery earlier this summer and his arrival at Craven Cottage would represent a significant boost to Fulham’s defensive resources.