Fulham
manager Jean Tigana is on the verge of adding to his foreign contingent
at Craven Cottage with the news that Southampton's Luis Boa Morte
will play in a practice match in France with a view to a move
to the Division One side.
The silky Portuguese winger has had a difficult time since arriving
in England, failing to settle in London at Arsenal and then a
move to the South Coast team has failed to give him the first-team
football he requires.
In May Boa Morte was linked with a move back to Portugal but that
seems to have fallen through and Tigana has stepped in to give
him a chance to revive his flagging career with a move back to
London.
Having been cleared to play in the match in France, Boa Morte
is believed to have agreed to a loan deal with The Cottagers with
a view to a permanent deal if he can prove himself.
The 22-year-old is extremely quick and a former Under-21 international
for his country, although he prefers to play down the right he
has often been used on the opposite flank in his club career.
| Luis
Pereira Boa Morte |
| Club: |
Southampton |
| Date
of Birth: |
4 August 1977 |
| Birthplace: |
Lisbon, Portugal |
| Height: |
5'10" |
| Weight: |
11.5 |
| Club
Honours: |
Premier League '98; Charity Shield '98 |
| Transfers: |
Arsenal (£1,750,000 + from Sporting Lisbon on 25/6/97)
Premier League 6+20 League Cup 3/2 FA Cup 2+3/1 Others 2+3/1
Southampton (£500,000 - 8/99)
|
A very pacy Portuguese U21 international winger, cum striker, whose
best position is on the right flank. Although he failed to command
a regular first-team place in 1998-99, he made a major contribution
in a difficult third round FA Cup-tie at Preston, scoring the first
goal and setting up two others in a 4-2 victory after the Gunners
had come back from two down. He also scored in the Champions' League
away leg at Panathinaikos. With the recent signings by Arsenal of
Henry and Suker, Luis was pushed more into the shadows at Highbury
and moved to Southampton for £500,000 in August. He had made three
appearances, all from the bench for Arsenal this season but now
looks set for a long run in the side on the south coast. He had
the misfortune to be sent off at Middlesbrough for a handball but
should settle in well especially as his brother is also with Southampton.