Fulham join Galatasaray in Emerson Royal pursuit

Premier League side Fulham have joined Galatasaray in the race to sign AC Milan full-back Emerson Royal, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

Despite being contracted until 2028, Royal could be set to leave I Rossoneri just over six months since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in a €15 million switch last summer.

The Brazilian has nailed down a first-team spot at Milan having started 16 of his side’s 20 league games, but his future is now uncertain.

As Milan close in on the acquisition of Kyle Walker from Manchester City, it remains to be seen if the Serie A giants would be open to letting Royal go on a permanent basis or a loan deal until the end of the current campaign.

Sergio Conceicao’s men have reportedly agreed personal terms to bring Walker to the San Siro and are now negotiating with Man City over a deal for their skipper.

As Walker prepares to potentially depart England for Italy, Royal could be set to go the other way as Fulham target a move before the February 3 deadline.

Having picked up 33 points from their 22 matches this term, Marco Silva’s men are 10th in the Premier League table, albeit only five points adrift of Newcastle United in fifth.

Consequently, the Cottagers remain in the hunt to secure European football and are keen to bolster their squad during the ongoing January window.

In addition to Royal, Fulham have also been linked with a move for Coventry right-back Milan van Ewijk amid the uncertain future of Kenny Tete.

Tete has been injured since mid-December but remains in talks with Fulham over a new deal, although no significant progress has been made with just under six months left on the Dutchman’s contract.