Benfica may make a move for forgotten Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri this month if a bid for their top target William Carvalho falls through, according to Sky Sports.
The Portuguese giants are holding discussions with Real Betis over a deal for the 28 year-old, but are known to be admirers of Seri and consider the Ivorian international a possible replacement for Carvalho should that move not materialise. Seri, who has not been given a place in Fulham’s 25 man squad this season, would be free to leave Craven Cottage if a club can match the club’s valuation.
Galatasary have been holding talks with Seri and his representatives about a return to Turkey, where he spent last season on loan, but a deal appears unlikely at this point. Fulham want a loan fee for Seri and Galatasary’s financial problems meant they are unlikely to pay one. Seri’s preferred option is believed to be a return to France, although the crippling impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Ligue 1 clubs may mean that French sides are unwilling to risk big outlays in January.
Seri made 34 appearances as Fulham were relegated from the top flight in 2019 with his £25m move from Nice widely considered an expensive failure. His single appearance for the first team this season came in a 3-0 defeat by Brentford in the League Cup.
