Fulham's Search for a Replacement

Fulham is currently in talks to sign Brazil international Andre as a potential replacement for star midfielder Joao Palhinha. The Cottagers have sent a delegation to South America in order to secure a deal for the Fluminense player, who has also been linked with Liverpool. Palhinha's departure from the club seems likely, and Fulham is actively searching for a successor.

Narrow Escape for Palhinha

Manager Marco Silva almost lost Palhinha on deadline day in September when the midfielder was set to join Bayern Munich. However, the deal fell through at the last minute due to Fulham's inability to secure a replacement. Palhinha then signed a new contract, but his future at Craven Cottage remains uncertain.

Andre Emerges as Fulham's Top Target

Andre, who made his debut for Brazil in June, is Fulham's number one target to replace Palhinha. The 22-year-old has an impressive record, with four goals and three assists in 162 appearances for Fluminense. He also played a key role in helping his team win the Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the Champions League. Fulham is currently the favorite to complete a deal for Andre.

Fulham's Striker Search

In addition to finding a replacement for Palhinha, Fulham is also in the market for a new striker in the January transfer window. The team has struggled since the sale of Aleksandar Mitrovic in the summer. Manager Marco Silva is reportedly tracking three strikers, including Santiago Gimenez at Feyenoord, Vangelis Pavlidis from AZ Alkmaar, and Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart. Pavlidis, the top scorer in the Eredivisie, could be available for around £20 million.

Upcoming Match Against Aston Villa

Fulham will face Aston Villa on Sunday at 2pm. Aston Villa is in excellent form, having won their last 11 consecutive home games dating back to last season. It will be a challenging match for Fulham.