Fulham have lined up a replacement for Ryan Fredericks if they end up losing him in this ongoing transfer window. According to Sky Sports, the Cottagers will look to bring in Middlesbrough’s Cyrus Christie if they lose Ryan Fredericks today. However, Fulham boss Slaviša Jokanović has not received any offers for Fredericks so far and, as things stand, he won’t be departing Craven Cottage in this transfer window.
Fredericks has less than six months left on his current contract with the Cottagers, which will run out in the summer and has already held talks with the London club over a new and improved long-term deal. It was also reported that Swansea City are looking to sign the player as well.
Christie has played in 25 matches for Boro this term in the Skybet Championship after making a switch from Derby County last summer. Middlesbrough have since had a change in managers, with Tony Pulis now taking charge of the club following Garry Monk’s sacking last month. The Coventry born player is highly versatile and can play in a number of different positions across the backline. He can operate in central defence or as a full-back and can operate on either side of the backline.
Christie has featured in 26 matches for Middlesbrough in all competitions and has scored one goal and provided three assists so far this season. He has also earned 17 international caps for the Republic of Ireland national team and has two international goals to his name.
The Cottagers are currently sitting in 6th place in the Championship table, six points behind an automatic promotion spot which is currently occupied by second-placed Derby County. They have recently done well in the league and are well on their way to secure a playoff spot at the end of the season.
The addition of Christie will undoubtedly bolster Slaviša Jokanović’s defensive options at Craven Cottage and help them in their quest to secure a promotion to the Premier League at the end of this campaign. At 25, he still has his peak years ahead of him which Fulham could look to utilise in the coming years if they end up securing his services in the near future. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Christie and whether the Cottagers make a move for him before the transfer period comes to a close tonight.
