Defender reveals Fulham came to hunt ahead of Ligue 1 transfer
RC Strasbourg defender Frédéric Guilbert has confirmed Fulham is interested in signing him in the summer transfer window.
Guilbert is currently on loan to the French team at Aston Villa. Initially signing for the Racers in January, the right-back decided to return with them instead of joining the Championship club. Guilbert played 25 times for Villa in his first season at the club, but was quickly replaced by new signing Matty Cash.
Follow our social networks – we are on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Despite consistent performances, the 26-year-old has fallen down the pecking order on the Premier League side.
After her loan ended, Villa intended to send her out on loan again.
Deciding to return to his native France, the Chalets still hoped they could tempt him with a lucrative business.
As he traveled to sign for Strasbourg, Fulham’s latest attempt to strike a deal for the Frenchman was pushed back.
Talk to Alsa Sports, Guilbert said: “(The transfer window) has been long – very long! I had (offers from) Lille and Fulham as well.
“Just before signing in Alsace, Fulham presented an offer that was difficult to refuse.
“I made the choice to accept Strasbourg (but), by going to Strasbourg, Fulham made me a new offer, even bigger but, in my head, I was already in Strasbourg and I decided to maintain this course.
Despite having already Dennis Odoi and With Kenny Tete occupying the right-back spot, Fulham boss Marco Silva wanted to strengthen his options with Guilbert being his main target.
Guilbert has made eight league appearances this season for his club. The Villa player is hoping his side can qualify for the Europa League.
The Racers are two points behind Rennes, who occupy fifth place.
Robert Lewandowski beats Lionel Messi in Ballon d’Or race
Silva doesn’t want to trust Mitrovic
Fulham manager Marco Silva has urged his team not to rely solely on the goals of talisman Alexsander Mitrovic.
The Serbian was once again on the scoresheet as Fulham hammered Blackburn 7-0 on Wednesday.
The in-form striker has scored 19 goals in 16 league appearances. Harry Wilson, Neeskens Kebano and substitute Rodrigo Muniz all scored braces that night, but the Fulham boss wants more.
Talk to BBC Radio London, Silva said: “It’s really important that we start to take our goals away from other players.
“But I am also demanding of others. My wingers normally score goals, and so do my midfielders, and they know it.
“Even our center-backs, they know how much I demand of them, that we should start scoring more goals from set pieces.”
Fulham will travel to Peterborough on Saturday. If the results go their way, they could lead the championship before the international break.
READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool to win race for huge talent Champ available at low price