Fulham target Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal keen on Craven Cottage move despite rejected bid

Fulham have suffered an early setback in their pursuit of Rennes defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal after seeing a £20 million bid rejected.

Football Place understands the 20-year-old is interested in moving to Craven Cottage, but Fulham are currently assessing alternative defensive targets rather than immediately returning with an improved offer.

The Cottagers are in the market for a new central defender following Issa Diop's departure to newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

Ait Boudlal emerged as one of Fulham's leading targets, but Rennes are reluctant to sanction his sale after already losing highly-rated defender Jérémy Jacquet to Liverpool earlier this summer.

Fulham have also monitored Chibuike Nwaiwu and Charlie Cresswell, although Cresswell has since completed his move from Toulouse to Rennes.

New head coach Alvaro Arbeloa remains keen to strengthen his defensive options before the Premier League season begins.

Fulham have already invested £42.5 million to sign Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios from Real Madrid.

The London club are also closing in on a deal for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, having moved ahead of Leeds United in the race for the 22-year-old.

Football Place understands negotiations are progressing well, although the transfer has not yet been finalised.

The expected arrival of Charles could have a knock-on effect elsewhere in Fulham's squad.

Ipswich Town remain interested in Saša Lukić, with Fulham willing to consider offers for the Serbian midfielder as he enters the final year of his contract.

Further movement in midfield could therefore follow if Charles completes his switch to west London.

Fulham will decide whether to revive their pursuit of Ait Boudlal or focus on alternative defensive targets. The club are also expected to continue negotiations for Shea Charles while monitoring potential departures before the transfer window closes.