Fulham are in pole position to sign Wigan’s Paul Scharner after his agent revealed Aston Villa were no longer in the running.
The 29-year-old has already told the club he will be quitting this summer with several sides reportedly interested in securing his signature.
His agent, Valentin Hobel, says Villa wanted to play Scharner as a defender, while the player himself sees his future in midfield.
And Hobel believes if all goes to plan, a deal could be concluded within a week.
“Aston Villa wanted him as a defender and that is why they are no longer an option,” he told LAOLA.
“Fulham are strong at the moment. But there is still the possibility he could go to Germany with Hamburg. He will look at his options very carefully.
“If can offer concrete figures and everything else all fits into place, then it could happen quickly.
"We have been in contact with Roy Hodgson over the last two and a half years. It could all be concluded within a week.”