Fulham are considering an audacious swoop for Brentford’s England under-21 international defender Ezri Konsa, according to a report from Sky Sports this afternoon.

Scott Parker and the Fulham hierarchy are reportedly keen to strengthen their defensive options ahead of their return to the Championship in August. The Whites have been linked to towering Leeds centre back Pontus Jansson and Levante defender Chema Rodriguez over the past week, but they may have their eyes on a target closer to home. The former Charlton Athletic youngster has been on the radar of a number of top flight sides, but rumours of an imminent switch to Wolves appear to be wide of the mark.

Konsa, who made 86 appearances in his two-and-a-half years at the Valley, has firmly established himself of one of the Championship’s most impressive centre halves. Brentford will likely be resistant to offers for one of their prized assets, who made 42 appearances last term, especially from one of their local rivals. The Sky report suggests that Konsa has a £12m release clause in his contract, but it remains to be seen whether Fulham would be willing to activate it.