AMSTERDAM – Fulham are close to capturing Bolton defender Tim Ream out from under local Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers, MLSsoccer.com has learned.

A source close to negotiations revealed that the US international and the club often known in the US as "FulhAmerica" are busy at work on a four-year deal that could be completed early this week. Ream missed out on both of Bolton's matches this week due to a dead-leg injury, and now it appears he may have already made his last appearance for the club.

After QPR made their fourth transfer offer for the two-time Wanderers Player of the Season, Fulham swooped in to match the bid. Ream held contract talks with QPR at Loftus Road late last week but was unable to come to terms.

Should Ream join the Cottagers, he will become the ninth American to suit up for the west London side, following Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey, Marcus Hahnemann, Emerson Hyndman, Eddie Johnson, Kasey Keller, Eddie Lewis and Brian McBride.

Fulham also recently signed US U-18 midfielder Luca de la Torre to his first pro contract.