Steed Malbranque picture

Fulham have made a bid to sign Steed Malbranque from Lyon, the midfielder revealed on Thursday. "My wish is to play and if possible at Lyon," he said. "If that's not possible, I want to go elsewhere and the offer from Fulham leads me in this direction."

"That's why I want to meet president Aulas rapidly – and I have a clause in my contract which says I can leave for £4.5 million," Malbranque, who is expected to start Lyon's first match of the season away to Lens on Saturday, added.

Malbranque, 21, is a France youth international but has struggled to hold down a place in the Lyon side since first impressing during the 1998-99 season.

Used mostly as a substitute last season, Malbranque's hopes of breaking into the side took a further blow this summer following the arrival of Brazil international midfielder Juninho Pernambuco at the Stade Gerland.

Malbranque has also been watched by Lens and Bordeaux, but would jump at the chance of linking up with former Lyon coach Jean Tigana at Craven Cottage.

Tigana is desperate to strengthen his squad ahead of Fulham's first season back in the top flight but has struggled in the transfer market over the summer.