Top clubs keep eye on Andersen form at Fulham

Joachim Andersen, the Fulham centre-back, is being closely monitored by clubs chasing Champions League football ahead of a summer move.

The Denmark international, 24, is on loan at Craven Cottage from Lyon, but there is no option-to-buy clause in the season-long deal and Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City are among the clubs considering him.

According to sources at the French club, there has already been “a serious inquiry from a Premier League club in England”. They are likely to listen to offers for the £25 million-rated defender, with the club suffering losses of more than £30 million last season as Covid-19 affected their finances.

Andersen will be one of the most sought-after centre-backs in the next transfer window. He suffered ankle ligament damage before he kicked a ball for Fulham, but his return has given them hope of avoiding relegation.

Scott Parker’s team are three points from safety heading into their final seven matches and Andersen is likely to get a move to a Premier League club regardless of whether he helps pull off an escape.

United are in the market to add competition to partner captain Harry Maguire, who remains an automatic selection. Spurs are longterm admirers of the Dane and Leicester have an excellent record of recruiting centre-backs.

Despite Fulham being in the relegation zone, Andersen has shown leadership qualities that have impressed other clubs. His overall form has been good and he was a standout player when Fulham started picking up points with a victory at Leicester and draws at Newcastle United, Tottenham and their home fixture against Liverpool. He then played in wins against Everton and at Anfield.