Brett Emerton Position Midfielder DOB 22/02/1979 P.O.B. Australia Height 6' 02" Club Blackburn

Coleman is also keen on signing Blackburn winger Brett Emerton to take over from transfer-listed Steed Malbranque in his side. And he is ready to outbid Middlesbrough and offer around £2million for the Australian World Cup star who could be sold at the right price by Mark Hughes's club.

The Aussie was upset to lose his place in Hughes's team last season and would be interested in other offers, with Fulham now serious rivals to Boro in the chase.

Coleman knows that contract rebel Malbranque is unlikely to play for him again - whether he is sold in this window or not - and he has put Emerton at the top of his wish list.

Fulham have money to spend and would also offer Emerton a good contract and the regular first-team football that he wants at this stage of his career.

Emerton is in a dilemma over his future, signing up with a new agent while his long-term solicitor is in talks with Blackburn about re-negotiating his deal.

Rovers are not pushing him out but would accept a decent fee - helping Hughes go in for the other targets he still wants this summer.