Seri capture a nice deal

FULHAM paid Nice £25million for Jean Seri in the summer – and Claudio Ranieri feels it is the bargain of the century.

Ranieri was surprised that Seri was at Fulham.

“In Nice he played so well two years ago, he was fantastic,” he said. “It was said in the papers that Barcelona wanted him.

“Maybe he stayed in Nice too long and his confidence went down, or he didn’t want to be there, because second year he was so-so. I think it is for this reason that Fulham chance to buy him.”

Seri arrived as an attacking midfielder but is set for a deeper role.

Ranieri played Seri, above, as a defensive midfielder against Leicester and was pleased.

“A lot of the play goes through him,” said Ranieri, ahead of today’s trip to Old Trafford.

“He always shows for the ball, plays with the ball and is important to his team-mates.” had the