Fulham have upped the ante in their pursuit of Scott McTominay after boss Marco Silva has pinpointed the Manchester United star as a potential summer recruit as reinforcements are sought at Craven Cottage ahead of the fast-approaching new Premier League campaign, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Cottagers suffered a significant blow when Tosin Adarabioyo rubber-stamped his exit last month, thanks to sealing a move to west London neighbours Chelsea after snubbing several contract offers which were put on the table by vice-chairman and sporting director Tony Khan, but there is likely to be further activity ahead of the August 30 transfer deadline.
Portuguese tactician Silva, who has led Fulham to the Championship title as well as 65 wins over the course of 140 matches since his appointment in 2021, has been scouring the market for possible acquisitions as he aims to build on another season which saw his side steer clear of a relegation dogfight.
Fulham have started exploring whether a deal for McTominay would be possible in the coming weeks after Silva has turned his attentions towards bolstering his options in the middle of the park, according to GMS sources, but their interest comes after one of their London rivals failed to reach an agreement 12 months ago.
Manchester United were open to cashing in on the central midfielder if a £40million bid was lodged by West Ham United when they went in search of a replacement for Declan Rice, but a switch to the capital failed to materialise and he ended up remaining with his boyhood club for the 2023/24 campaign.
In a significant boost for Fulham, GMS sources have been informed that the Red Devils would still be willing to sell McTominay at the right price as they aim to fund an overhaul of their squad, but it has been made clear that a cut-price deal is not on the cards as Silva seeks competition for the likes of captain Tom Cairney.
Although Manchester United are not interested in selling the Scotland international on the cheap, they do not find themselves in a strong negotiating position heading into the remainder of the summer transfer window as he has entered the final 12 months of his £60,000-per-week contract at Old Trafford.
GMS sources have been told that Fulham are still mulling over what price they are prepared to pay for McTominay, who has been described as 'perfect' by Red Devils teammate Diogo Dalot, but he is understood to be one of a number of options being looked at by Silva and the hierarchy.