Fulham fighting with Everton for Barcelona defender

Fulham are currently chasing the signing of a defender after several issues at the back, and they could be set to rival Everton for the signing of Barcelona centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.

The centre-back has been allowed to leave Barcelona after he was made surplus to requirements by new manager Ronald Koeman.

However, Everton were reported earlier as the team leading the race to sign the Frenchman, yet Everton want him on a season-long loan, whilst Fulham want him permanently.

Barcelona are reportedly eager for him to leave on a permanent deal in order to use the funds to sign Eric Garcia from Manchester City over the next few days, therefore pushing Fulham into the lead.

Fulham have also identified Sampdoria's Omar Colley as the alternative to Todibo, but whilst they have entered negotiations with the Serie A club for the 27-year-old, no fee has been finalised yet, with them preferring Todibo.

Fulham have had a worrying start to the season, failing to get a single point after three games, conceding ten goals in the process.

Whilst Scott Parker is desperate to add to the defence before the transfer deadline for international deals on October 5, he also lashed out at the owner of the club for publicly claiming that they need to add to their squad, with Parker seeing this as a lack of belief in his own squad.

Fulham will face Wolverhampton Wanderers away in the Premier League on Sunday, as they continue to challenge for their first points of the season.