Fulham transfer news: The Cottagers ‘make approach’ for Rennes defender, Liverpool ‘join race’ for Arsenal target

Fulham continued their excellent form last night as they enjoyed a convincing 2-1 win over a disappointing Chelsea side. Marco Silva’s side now sit sixth in the Premier League table after overtaking Liverpool.

The Blues handed Joao Felix a first start since his move from Atletico Madrid this week, however the forward’s debut ended in disaster, despite looking like their best player for much of the game. Felix was shown a straight red card for a terrible challenge on Carlos Vinicius on the hour mark - with the former Tottenham Hotspur attacker going onto score the winner 15 minutes later.

Fulham will now take on Newcastle United this weekend and could go within one point of Eddie Howe’s side with a win at St. James’ Park. However, the Magpies remain unbeaten in 13 matches in the Premier League.

Here is today’s transfer news...

Fulham 'make approach' for Rennes defender

Fulham have approached Rennes to sign defender Hamari Traore this month, according to Mail Online. The Mali international has made 224 appearances for the Ligue 1 club since joining from Reims in 2017.

Despite the Cottagers' excellent start to the season as they sit sixth in the Premier League table, Marco Silva is still eager to bolster his squad during the January transfer window and sees Traore as an option. French publication Foot Mercato has claimed that it will only take £3.5 million to lure the 30-year-old away from France, however they face competition from Roma for his signature.

Speaking on transfers following their win over Chelsea, Silva said: "We are looking to get players in but I am not a big fan of changing things in the January market.

"It's only if something has gone wrong – and that's not the case. We have strengthened in some positions, which is what we are doing, with high ambition. We are pleased with the squad, but we need to perhaps strengthen two or three positions."

Traore would face competition from Kenny Tete for his role on the right, with the Dutchman starting 12 of their Premier League matches this season. The versatile Bobby Reid has also featured at right-back but will likely return further up the field if Fulham were to sign Traore.

Liverpool 'join' race for Arsenal target

Liverpool are said to be monitoring Frankfurt's Evan Ndicka, who is out of contract in the summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs. Arsenal were previously reported to have reached an agreement with the defender, however he remains available and has also attracted interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

Ndicka has been an ever-present figure in Frankfurt's backline since joining the club in 2018 and claimed eight goal contributions in the Bundesliga last season. However, he opted against extending his current deal with the club and could now be set for a move to the Premier League. Liverpool have undoubtedly suffered some defensive problems this season, conceding 22 goals in the Premier League - only four less than they let in during the whole of the previous campaign.

With Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip both turning 32 this year, Jurgen Klopp looks eager to bring some youth into his new-look side to join the likes of Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Ibrahima Konate. Ndicka is likely to already have a relationship with the latter due to their time with France's youth teams.

Wolves have €17m offer 'accepted' for midfielder

Wolves are closing in on a deal for Flamengo Joao Gomes after they had a €17m bid accepted for his services, according to O Dia. The report also claims that the 21-year-old has agreed personal terms with Julen Lopetegui's side.

Gomes is said to be one of the biggest prospects coming out of Brazil in recent years, having made 63 appearances for Flamengo last year - scoring twice and registering two assists in the process. The midfielder would be Lopetegui's second signing since joining Wolves in November after they snapped up Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid. Gomes would join Cunha as the only two Brazilians at Molineux Stadium and will compete with the likes of Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes and Joe Hodge for a place in the team.