Fulham advance Andrei Ratiu talks as defender agrees Craven Cottage move

Fulham are pushing to complete a late deal for Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu, with the Romanian already giving his approval to a move to Craven Cottage.

The 28-year-old could now be entering his final days with the Spanish club as negotiations between Fulham and Rayo continue ahead of the transfer deadline.

According to Marca, talks between the clubs are advanced and progressing well, while Fulham have already reached an agreement with Ratiu himself.

Fulham have made significant progress on the player's side of negotiations, with Ratiu fully open to continuing his career in the Premier League.

An agreement has already been reached between the defender and the London club, meaning attention has now turned towards finalising terms with Rayo.

A definitive club-to-club agreement remains outstanding, but Ratiu's willingness to join Fulham removes one potential obstacle from negotiations.

No specific asking price has been reported.

Ratiu is currently valued at around €18million by Transfermarkt, having joined Rayo from Huesca for €5.5m three years ago. A transfer worth more than €20m could therefore be required, although no agreed figure has yet emerged.

Completing the Ratiu deal would leave Alvaro Arbeloa with considerable depth at right-back.

Fulham already have Kenny Tete and Timothy Castagne available in the position, meaning Ratiu's arrival would give them three senior options.

That situation could potentially open the door for a departure before the window closes.

Castagne has previously been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage and is entering the final year of his contract.

Selling the Belgian this summer would allow Fulham to generate a fee rather than risk his contract running down, while Ratiu's arrival would ensure Arbeloa was not left short of alternatives.

There is no confirmation yet that Castagne will depart, but the potential arrival of another established right-back inevitably raises questions about Fulham's plans for the position.

For now, completing the agreement with Rayo remains the priority.

Fulham have already secured Ratiu's approval and talks between the clubs are described as advanced, putting the Cottagers in a strong position to complete the transfer.

With the deadline approaching, negotiations will need to reach a conclusion quickly if Ratiu is to begin the next stage of his career in England.

Fulham will continue negotiations with Rayo in an attempt to reach a definitive agreement before the transfer deadline.

Ratiu's approval means personal terms should not represent a problem. If the deal is completed, attention could then turn towards whether Fulham retain all three of Ratiu, Tete and Castagne or sanction a late departure.