Fulham are eyeing a move for Burnley midfielder Scott Arfield. The Championship side is preparing for the new season after failing to get past the Playoff stage in the last season. The Cottagers will be banking on their inspired performances last term but will have to bolster some significant portions of the current squad.
The Scotland-born Canadian international has had a pretty quiet season in terms of performances but the Cottagers are ready to bring him to the Championship. Despite having a pretty decent season, Fulham gaffer Slavisa Jokanovic is eyeing him in an attempt to make a push for the promotion next season.
Burnley defied all odds as they stayed afloat in the Premier League after a not so impressive season but Arfield’s form hasn’t managed to attract much interest. Perhaps it was his form in the promotion winning season for the Clarets where he had played a crucial role, which might be the reason behind Fulham’s interest. On his road to the Premier League, the midfielder had scored eight goals and assisted six times in the Championship.
Sean Dyche knows the potential of the player and would be reluctant to let him go. But the player’s contract situation might hinder his plan. The midfielder will be moving into his last year of the contract and the Clarets might be forced to cash on him otherwise they will have the fear to lose the player for free.
Primarily a left sided midfielder, he can be used in a number of positions in the midfield. Tony Pulis is also reportedly weighing a move for him as a replacement for Darren Fletcher who switched his allegiance to Stoke City recently. The Baggies are ready to spend as much as £2.5m for his services.
Arfield has racked up over 170 appearances for the club and has been an important member of the current lot. Hull City also have expressed their interest in the player as they would be short of options as Alfred N’Diaye and Lazar Markovic have finished their respective loan spell for the Tigers and have returned to their clubs.
He would be available for a cheap amount and Jokanovic should go ahead with his signing. The 28-year-old has struggled mostly in the recently concluded campaign but Jokanovic thinks he could be a prime option for him. But signing for Fulham would be a step down for him although he will have the option to show his class more frequently as he would be a sure shot starter for the Championship side.
