Opinion: The clear reason why Fulham need to prioritise transfer approach for 29-year-old over England international

Championship outfit Fulham are seemingly prioritising their goalkeeping position in the transfer market this summer, with a return to the Premier League looking more and more likely each week.

Three main players are thought to be on their radar, with Burnley’s Nick Pope, Manchester United’s Dean Henderson and West Ham United loanee Alphonse Areola all in Marco Silva’s thoughts ahead of pre-season.

Many would argue that all three would be capable options to have in the top tier of English football and in that sense, any of the trio arriving at Craven Cottage in the summer should be welcomed without dissent.

However, there is one crystal clear advantage for the Cottagers if they prioritised a move for Areola over Pope – and that benefit is a financial one.

As per The Sun, Burnley would demand around £20m for the latter if they are to let him go in the summer window, a sizeable fee that Silva’s men may be reluctant to pay considering they would need to strengthen all over the pitch if they want to give themselves the best possible chance of remaining afloat in the top division.

Not only do they need a replacement for Fabio Carvalho, but another option at centre-back and the permanent signing of Neco Williams should also be on their transfer agenda and that’s just for starters.

It’s even surprising to hear that the England international would be available for just £20m considering how valuable he is at Turf Moor and if the Sam Johnstone saga at West Bromwich Albion teaches us anything, it’s the fact a recently-relegated side will still be reluctant to cash in on their best assets despite dropping down to the second tier.

Contrast this to Areola – and he could be available for around £11m if Paris St-Germain offer Fulham the