Updates on Fulham’s chase for two Brazilians – One of the scenarios looking more ‘favourable’

One is Fiorentina’s Igor Julio, for whom the Whites seem to have engaged in a pursuit for a while. The other is Benfica’s Morato, with reports this week saying there was a bid turned down by the Eagles.

Today, Brazilian outlet UOL features a story on Fulham’s pursuit of a defender, and both situations get explained there.

First speaking of Morato, it’s claimed that even though there’s a huge distance between the offer and the request, the ‘talks continue’.

The Whites bid €10m, Benfica demanded €50m, but that was apparently not enough for Marco Silva’s side to give up.

As for Igor, the situation is seen as more positive. UOL claims that he fits into Fulham’s budget better, and even though the amounts aren’t commented by people involved, there’s a more ‘favourable’ picture because of Fiorentina’s wish to sell.

With the Craven Cottage side working hard to reinforce their defence, engaging in both chases at the same time gives the idea that at least one of those deals will be closed soon.

READ MORE: crystal Palace agrees to sign talented player for free agent as Zaha replacement

Agbonlahor says Palace could sign Brazilian free agent as Zaha replacement

As each day passes without any definitive answer from Wilfried Zaha as to whether he wants to stay at Crystal Palace after his last contract ran out, one has to expect that the player is still considering his options at this stage.

Clearly, with pre-season training for the Eagles right around the corner, the sooner he makes up his mind, the better for all concerned.

Palace chairman, Steve Parish, is believed to have offered Zaha a contract that would make him the best paid player in the club’s history but even that may not be enough to tempt him to stay.

To that end, talkSPORT pundit, Gabby Agbonlahor, has had his say on who he thinks would be an able replacement.

“The way he played last season, he was sharp still,” he said about former Fulham, Arsenal and Chelsea star, Willian, on talkSPORT, h/t HITC.

“He didn’t look 34 years old. Every game he played, I thought he had a big impact.

“If I am a London club, I am going in for him because he’s come out and said that his family is happy in London. He loves it in England.”

Though Willian is the wrong side of 30, the Brazilian hasn’t lost any of the skills that has made him one of the best attacking midfielders of his generation. Moreover, his work rate could shame players half his age.

Available on a free transfer only makes his hire all the more appealing, and Palace will surely make quite the cost saving if they bring Willian on board at Zaha’s expense.

If the latter does want to stay then it’s time for him to put his hand up and call it. Any more prevaricating and it could be too late to continue this particular south London love story.