Fulham close to Sasa Lukic transfer but Cedric Soares issues remain with time running out

A battle with Newcastle could also loom for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge before the deadline
Nizaar Kinsella30 January 2023

Fulham are closing in on the £8.8million arrival of Sasa Lukic from Torino.

But the Cottagers still need to resolve issues around the signing of Arsenal right-back Cedric Soares.

Marco Silva said on Friday that he hopes Fulham will make two signings before the transfer window shuts and the club is targeting a midfielder and a right-back.

Lukic has agreed personal terms on a move to Craven Cottage and is expected to travel to London in the next 24 hours to finalise his switch.

A Serbia international, 26-year-old Lukic has impressed in Serie A this season and came through the same academy at Partizan Belgrade as Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Fulham also approached Sheffield United over a move for midfielder Sander Berge over the weekend. Berge is valued at around £20m and has also been linked with Newcastle.

Familiar face: Sasa Lukic is a former team-mate of Fulham talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic
Getty Images

Cedric is expected to move to Craven Cottage on a six-month deal with no option to make it a permanent move in the summer. Fulham boss Silva worked with Cedric at Sporting Lisbon and believes his experience and versatility will help the club build on their strong start to the season.

But Fulham remain reluctant to cover his wages in full. They have also already filled their allowed quota of two loans from rival Premier League clubs.

Fulham are considering cancelling their loan deal with Brighton for Shane Duffy to make room for Cedric in their squad. Dan James also remains at the club on loan from Leeds.

Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu have starved Cedric of action for Arsenal this season and he should get more game-time at in-form Fulham, who are seventh in the Premier League.

Monaco and several other European clubs have expressed an interest in Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo but he is now expected to stay put.

Fulham are also in talks to terminate Josh Onomah’s contract to allow him to move to a Championship club on a free transfer, while West Brom are trying to sign Nathaniel Chalobah after offering him an 18-month deal.

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