Football
Exclusive: Carlos Vinícius Wanted by Leeds and Everton After Fulham Exit
Leeds United and Everton are interested in signing Fulham striker Carlos Vinicius on a free transfer, with Galatasaray also in the mix. The 30-year-old Brazilian is keen on staying in the Premier League after not being offered a new contract by Fulham. Manager Marco Silva is rebuilding the squad after releasing several players ahead of the new season. Kenny Tete may join Everton, while Tom Cairney is likely to sign a new deal with Fulham.
Fulham FC v Burnley FC - Premier League by David Horton - CameraSport | Getty Images
Leeds United and Everton are looking to snap up Fulham striker Carlos Vinicius on a free, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The Brazilian hitman is out of contract at the end of this month after the Cottagers decided not to offer him a new deal.
But the Whites and Toffees face competition for the experienced striker’s signature, with Turkish giants Galatasaray also interested in securing his signature.
Vinicius, 30, made just four appearances for Fulham last season in the final year of his three-year contract.
He spent part of the season on loan at Galatasaray and our sources understand the Super Lig club are keen to try and sign him this summer.
However, Leeds and Everton have held initial discussions with the player on whether he would join them next season
Vinicius is keen to continue his Premier League journey having fallen down the pecking order after a decent first season at Craven Cottage.
He played 28 times in the Premier League in his debut season, and managed five goals.
NO FUTURE AT CRAVEN COTTAGE
The following season he scored two in 13 Premier League appearances and last season played just three times in the top-flight before being told he was not part of the club’s long-term plans and ultimately sent out on loan.
Fulham have released a string of players ahead of the new season including former Arsenal and Chelsea star Willian as manager Marco Silva rebuilds his squad after a commendable 11th place finish last season.
Only Dutch defender Kenny Tete and Scottish midfielder Tom Cairney were offered new deals to stay, although Tete is now understood to be on the verge of a move to Everton after their pursuit of Manchester City full-back Kyle Walker hit a wall.
Cairney, 34, is also out of contract at the end of June but our sources understand the Cottagers are confident he will sign a new contract despite Championship side Wrexham having made an approach to sign him now the transfer window has reopened.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.