Fulham make offer for Natan as search for new centre-back intensifies

Fulham have submitted an offer for Real Betis centre-back Natan as they step up their search for a new defender, while negotiations are also continuing for Rennes youngster Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.

The Cottagers appear determined to strengthen at centre-back before the transfer deadline and are exploring several options.

However, convincing Betis and Natan to accept a move could prove difficult.

According to journalist Santi Aouna, Fulham have now made an offer for Natan, although the value and structure of their proposal have not been disclosed.

The 25-year-old Brazilian has previously attracted Premier League interest from Leeds United.

Leeds reportedly had a €27million offer rejected earlier in the summer, suggesting Betis would expect a substantial fee before agreeing to sell.

There is another complication for Fulham.

Journalist Álvaro Borrego reports that Natan could begin the process of becoming an EU citizen from November if he remains in Spain.

That could increase his future transfer value by making him easier for European clubs to register.

Betis are aware of the potential benefit, while Natan himself currently prefers to remain in Spain. It would reportedly take a ‘mindblowing’ offer to convince him otherwise.

So far, no proposal has reached that level.

Fulham are simultaneously working on a deal for Rennes defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.

Their interest has been active for several weeks and an earlier offer was reportedly rejected.

The 20-year-old is believed to be tempted by a move to Craven Cottage, giving Fulham encouragement that personal terms may not prove to be the biggest obstacle.

Rennes are the problem.

Although the French club need to generate money through player sales, they currently have no intention of allowing Aït Boudlal to leave.

Fulham therefore face resistance on both of their main defensive pursuits.

Another option has now emerged in Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi.

According to Aouna, representatives from Unique Sports have offered the 27-year-old defender to Fulham.

Marseille need to generate funds through sales before the end of the window, potentially making Balerdi more attainable than Natan or Aït Boudlal.

There is no indication yet that Fulham have opened negotiations for the Argentine, but he is another name to watch as their centre-back search continues.

Fulham must first discover whether their offer is enough to change Natan's position.

At present, the Brazilian appears difficult to convince, while Betis also have reasons to keep him beyond the summer.

Negotiations for Aït Boudlal remain another route, although Rennes' refusal to sell presents a similar obstacle.

If neither deal progresses, Balerdi could become a more realistic alternative as Fulham look to complete a centre-back signing before the window closes.