Roy Hodgson remaining hopeful

Roy Hodgson remains hopeful of concluding a deal to bring Watford striker Marlon King to Fulham.

Watford have accepted a £5million bid from Fulham for King, while Collins John will head to Vicarage Road on loan.

The Cottagers were aiming to finalise the transfer in time for the former Gillingham forward to feature in Saturday's game with Arsenal.

But it is believed that the Premier League side are trying to renegotiate the terms of payment before finalising the deal.

	Marlon King

"He is a player we have followed and one we would like," Hodgson told reporters.

"But it is important I don't say too much or say something that could come back to haunt me. I hope it goes smoothly.

"If it doesn't we are back to searching again for another solution to any problems we see in our team."

Hodgson has signed Norwegian defender Brede Hangeland, and is also chasing Werder Bremen stopper Leon Andreasen and American striker Eddie Johnson.

With Fulham languishing in the relegation zone, Hodgson reiterated his desire to add to his squad before the transfer window closes.

He added: "We are looking to strengthen the team to maximise our chances of staying in the league.

"We will continue hard at it until the transfer window closes. I haven't given next season a second thought."