Fulham are looking towards the January transfer window already and want to sign Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah next month.
The report from TEAMTalk suggests that Fulham are one of several Premier League clubs taking an interest in the 21-year-old.
Craven Cottage could see several incomings and outgoings next month with Marco Silva’s side on the up going into the second half of the season.
The main talking point is likely to be Joao Palhinha’s future as the Portuguese continues to be linked with a move away.
The Whites have also been linked with several centre-forwards although Raul Jimenez appears to have found his shooting boots since the last international break.
Silva currently has one of the oldest squads in the Premier League and if Fulham can establish themselves in the top flight this season, then addressing that issue needs to be in his plans going forward.
It may be the reason why Fulham want to sign Pierre Ekwah from Sunderland as he continues to impress in the Championship.
The French youth international was released by West Ham earlier this year without making a senior appearance.
He’s established himself in England’s second tier but may leave the Stadium of Light before their dream of returning to the Premier League is realised.
Fulham want to sign Ekwah in January
The report from TEAMTalk suggests that Fulham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are all closely monitoring the 21-year-old.
Hopefully, Ekwah was watching events at Craven Cottage last week when Silva’s side demolished Forest before dismantling West Ham to move into the top half of the league.
The report goes on to say that West Ham have a sizeable sell-on fee which could affect Sunderland’s asking price.
Ekwah has been highly praised by former manager Tony Mowbray this season who said: “That part of his game is really coming along, and I keep telling him that if he can develop that physical aspect of his game then what a footballer we’ve got because he can do amazing things with his feet,” said Mowbray. “He’s so clever with his feet, you can see how fast his feet are, and he can see pictures.
“He’s a good footballer, so if he can just add the off-the-ball stuff then he’ll be even better. He’s doing exceptionally well.”
The Frenchman would fit into the team in the Harrison Reed position, drifting around the pitch connecting defence and attack and putting in a strong defensive shift.
Ekwah is more of a proficient passer than a dribbler which would fit the trend that Silva seems to want from his midfielders.
The likes of Reed, Joao Palhinha and Tom Cairney are much better at picking out teammates rather than carrying the ball past opponents.
That’s something that’s typically left to his wingers and Andreas Pereira, offering Fulham slightly more security during turnovers.
Fulham’s academy is one of the strongest in the country and there might be a tinge of disappointment if young talent is recruited from elsewhere rather than those in the system being given an opportunity.
However, Ekwah has proved he can do it in the Championship and picking him up and potentially loaning him out for 18 months would leave Fulham in a very strong position going forward.