He can play in five positions: Fulham now soar into race for 58-cap int’l who’s “the perfect player”.

Fulham have jumped into the competition to sign a 58-cap international who can play in five positions, while his present club struggles to tie him down to a new contract.

Cottagers looking to sign “the perfect player” this summer

The Cottagers had been on a dismal run of form in the Premier League, losing three games in a row, but they bounced back with a victory at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, keeping Marco Silva’s team in contention for Europe.

The goal is that qualifying for the UEFA Conference League or Europa League will persuade Silva to stay, as the manager’s current contract expires in the summer and a number of first-team players may leave.

The west Londoners have failed to renew Ryan Sessegnon’s contract, which is set to expire at the end of the season, and Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson are also expected to go.

Replacing Wilson could be especially difficult, given how impressive the Welshman has been this season, with nine goals and six assists in 31 games across all competitions.

Fulham may need to sign a new winger this summer, but they have also jumped into the battle for a versatile defender, according to a report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who credit them with an interest in AS Roma star Zeki Celik.

Roma have struggled to sign Celik to a new deal, which might lead to a move to Craven Cottage this summer, although there may be competition for his services, with Premier League rivals Newcastle United also mentioned as possible suitors.

Silva would benefit from the 29-year-old’s versatility, as he can play in five positions: right back, centre defender, left back, right midfield, and left midfield.

Celik could be “perfect” addition to Silva’s squad

The Roma ace would bring a plethora of high-level experience to Craven Cottage, having won 58 caps for Turkey, as well as 41 Europa League outings and 13 Champions League matches.

Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella is particularly fond of the versatile defence, adding, “He’s the ideal player for any coach.”

“Celik is professional, dependable, and performs well no matter where he is played. A locker room always needs men like him.”

The Bursa-born defender is averaging 1.9 tackles per 90 minutes in Serie A this season, the Roma squad’s joint-second highest number, and he demonstrated his attacking ability in a fine all-around effort against Cagliari earlier this month.

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