Fulham are mulling over whether to up their offer for Benfica centre back Morato, according to reports this morning.
Bruno Andrade, who broke the original story of the Whites’ interest in the Brazilian defender yesterday, has a full story under his byline in Mais Futebol, which reveals that Fulham’s interest in the 22 year-old is a result of a request from head coach Marco Silva. The Cottagers have hit a stumbling block after Benfica immediately rejected their initial £8.9m offer and told them that Morato, regarded as one of the most promising ball-playing centre halves in Portuguese football, is not for sale.
Sources at Benfica suggest that they would one five times what Fulham had tabled if they were consider selling the player, who has a release clause of around £86m, double what other reports that claimed it was yesterday. Fulham are undeterred and are ‘studying’ whether to come back with an improved bid, perhaps believing that Benfica are bluffing with their refusal to negotiate terms over a transfer.
Morato helped Roger Schmidt’s side win their first Portuguese title in four years last term is still seen as a defender in development, which is perhaps why Silva and Fulham felt they could lure him away to London. He has made 38 first-team appearances for the Lisbon giants and scored two goals. He was named the Primeira Liga’s defender of the month last August.
Upgrade on Duffy!
Seriously if Tosin is going we need at least two and probably three new CBs and at least one of those has to be expected to be a first choice recruit.
This approach seems to be for a top quality young player but are we in the financial position to stump up what is needed to succeed?
Is this Marco testing our ambition as a club?
Lets be honest there are so many rumours floating around. I do not think any bids have been put in let alone any new signings, So until something actually happens I think we need to take them all with a pinch of salt
In two weeks on Sunday we take on The Bus Stop In Hounslow, then Villa, then Walham Green, in America. That will then leave us with just over two weeks until the next season starts – with four fixtures that could shape our season. I am concerned by our lack of activity which is leaving Marco little time to sort ‘his new squad’ out (if he stays at The Cottage beyond July). I DO HOPE THAT I’M WRONG!!! COYW