West Ham United and Fulham are now leading the race to sign an attacking star this summer, despite interest from Premier League giants Liverpool.
Marco Silva: Fulham “deserve” boos after Southampton defeat
Questions were asked when Fulham, a side unlikely to go down or unlikely to compete for European football, chose to rest players in the FA Cup last weekend. On paper, they had a golden opportunity to advance and add some excitement to an, albeit welcomed, dull mid-table campaign.
Instead, Marco Silva saw it as the chance to rotate – making nine changes – and was soon made to pay by Southampton, courtesy of Ross Stewart’s late winner.
The result sparked anger from those at Craven Cottage, who rained down the boos at full-time to signal their displeasure.
After such a disappointing display, Silva didn’t waste time defending his side earlier this week – telling reporters: “I am not concerned about the faith (of the fans) because the relations (with them) and what we have done in the football club is clear, and the ambition is always there.
“If you lose against Southampton at home, you cannot expect claps or ovation. For me, it is as simple as that – the boos, I think, is the minimum you can get.
“As a manager, I come from different countries where when you lose a game like that one at home, you are going to have much more than simple boos.
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The Cottagers are willing to launch a move for a midfielder.
“I think we deserve the boos. It is nothing about faith or not, it is a frustration in the moment that probably, if I was in the stand, I am going to do the same.”
There’s a clear desire for more excitement in West London and that’s exactly what Fulham are looking to inject by chasing an attacking star this summer.
Fulham & West Ham leading race to sign Osorio
As reported by TeamTalk, West Ham and Fulham are leading the race to sign Dario Osorio from Midtjylland this summer, despite emerging interest from Liverpool.
The two London clubs have also been boosted by reports that the Danish club are willing to sell their attacking star this summer and he’s more likely to join a mid-table side.
This means that, should West Ham avoid the drop this season, they stand a real chance of going head-to-head against Fulham for Osorio’s signature.
The South American has certainly earned plenty of praise. Como scout Ben Mattinson took note of his “outstanding” passing and ball-striking ability, which has helped him score six goals and assist another 10 so far this season.
For West Ham, as rumours persist over Crysencio Summerville’s future, Osorio could be a transformative signing for their frontline. Alas, they may question whether he’s willing to turn down a club in such a stable position like Fulham this summer.