Fulham are in for a fascinating summer transfer window and much of the plans may revolve around Joao Palhinha’s future at the club.
Dreams of sneaking up into the European mix have been rather unceremoniously dashed.
Fulham went into the international break in great form and had cut the gap to seventh-placed West Ham United to just six points.
One point from three games since coming back from the international break now leaves Fulham 10 points behind West Ham.
Marco Silva won’t want this campaign to fizzle out but there may already be one eye on the summer transfer window.
Silva has already hinted that Fulham’s transfer plans are in place but much will depend on who stays and who goes.
Questions surround the futures of Antonee Robinson and Tosin Adarabioyo whilst Joao Palhinha is bound to attract interest again.
Fulham target England midfielder
Tony Khan has indicated that Fulham may consider offers for the talismanic midfielder this summer and that would leave Silva needing a replacement.
Football Transfers now claim that Fulham are interested in snapping up Kalvin Phillips this summer.
Phillips currently finds himself on loan at West Ham United but hasn’t impressed since arriving from Manchester City in January.
West Ham are unlikely to turn the move permanent this summer and that could now pave the way for Fulham to swoop in.
It’s stated that Fulham are ‘working on’ a move for Phillips, viewing him as a ‘marquee’ replacement if Palhinha moves on.
Phillips was one of the Premier League’s best midfield players at Leeds United but his £45million move to Manchester City in 2022 has been a disaster.
Phillips now looks like a shadow of his former self but Fulham and Silva may believe that he can get back on track at Craven Cottage.
Watch out for Leeds United
The report adds that Leeds have an interest in signing Phillips and that could pose a real threat to Fulham’s hopes of a deal.
Phillips came up in the Leeds ranks and has a huge emotional attachment to the Whites.
A return to Elland Road may well appeal to Phillips, especially if he wants to settle down and get his career back on track.
That would depend on Leeds securing promotion back to the Premier League though, with Phillips unlikely to drop into the Championship any time soon.
Leeds currently sit third in the Championship, just one point off the automatic promotion spots and a further point behind first place.
Leeds are facing a nervy end to the season and that may well be why Fulham are allegedly working on a Phillips move now, attempt to gain a head start.