Fulham are interested in signing Botafogo centre forward Igor Jesus, according to Graeme Bailey.
The Whites have been scouting the 23 year-old striker for the past year with Marco Silva scouring the South American market for a long-term replacement for Raul Jimenez, who is currently leading the line at Craven Cottage. Silva has signed several Brazilians since taking over from Scott Parker in SW6 three years ago, including the likes of Rodrigo Muniz, Andreas Pereira and Willian.
Igor Jesus, who came through the Coritiba youth academy, has broken into the Brazilian national side – who are similarly searching for a reliable number nine – after scoring eight goals in 24 appearances for Botafoga in this calendar year. The 5ft 10in forward scored the equaliser on his Selecao debut as Brazil came from behind to beat Chile in Santiago in a crucial World Cup qualifier. Fulham’s scouts watched him make a goal in the 4-0 win over Peru and play the first 68 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Venezuela on Thursday.
Jesus, who has just returned to his homeland after scoring 48 goals in 92 games for UAE outfit Shabab Al Ahli, is also considered versatile enough to operate in wide areas for his country – something he has discussed in recent months as he considers playing in a fluid front line alongside the legendary Vinicius Junior. Previous reports have suggested that Botafogo would be looking for around £30m to sell their star forward, with a whole host of Premier League clubs including Brentford, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest also interested.
The Whites will need striking alternatives to 33 year-old Jimenez and Jesus’ compatriot Muniz, who has so far struggled to recapture his goalscoring form of last season. It should be noted, however, that Fulham’s heavily trailed pursuit of Flamengo holding midfielder Andre came to nothing, with the Brazilian international eventually joining Wolves after Silva distanced himself from interest in one of the Selecao’s most highly-rated talents.
