Fulham reportedly expect to complete the signing of Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi later this week.
The Blues academy graduate has been back at Stamford Bridge ever since Bayer Leverkusen opted against taking up the option of a permanent deal after his loan spell in Germany during 2022-23.
However, despite the possibility of a fresh start under Mauricio Pochettino, the 22-year-old has never been considered as a part of the Argentine's plans.
Hudson-Odoi has spent pre-season training at Cobham and representing the Under-21s in friendlies in order to keep his fitness ticking over ahead of a move.
If reports are to be believed, Hudson-Odoi has not been short of admirers with the likes of Nottingham Forest and Lazio having considered approaches for the playmaker.
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Nevertheless, for a number of weeks, Fulham have been deemed to be the frontrunners, Hudson-Odoi seemingly having the chance to move just down the road to Craven Cottage.
According to Sky Sports News, there is optimism from all parties that a deal can be finalised within the next 48 hours.
As it stands, it appears touch and go whether Fulham will be able to secure Hudson-Odoi's services before their Premier League opener with Everton on Saturday.
A transfer would need to be registered with the league by midday on Friday, yet it appears that a move to Marco Silva's side is now a foregone conclusion.
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Despite Calvin Bassey and Raul Jimenez having been signed by Fulham, it has been a largely negative summer for the Cottagers, partly due to Aleksandar Mitrovic pushing for a transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Willian, who only recently penned a fresh contract, is also allegedly keen to move to the Middle East, which would add to Fulham seeing another winger in Manor Solomon move to Tottenham Hotspur after his loan stint from Shakhtar Donetsk came to an end.
With Ivan Cavaleiro also expected to depart the club, Hudson-Odoi could, theoretically, become a first-choice pick as soon as he completes his move.
Hudson-Odoi will leave Chelsea having contributed 16 goals and 22 assists from his 126 appearances in all competitions.
Darren Plant
