EXCLUSIVE: Fulham in £5m swoop for Malanda but Jol faces battle to sign Belgian teen star



Fulham have met Zulte-Waregem’s near-£5million valuation on top transfer target Junior Malanda but still face a battle to sign him this month.



Craven Cottage boss Martin Jol wants the powerful 18-year old to strengthen his midfield and made two bids in quick succession a week ago, as revealed in Sportsmail.

Both were turned down, as the Belgian side held out for the full asking price, which Fulham have now met by offering around £3.4m up front, with the rest to follow in instalments.

Teenage kicks: Midfielder Junior Malanda is Fulham's top transfer target

Powerful: Fulham have bid £5m for Malanda (left)

But Malanda has returned to Belgium, following talks in London, and Waregem are keen to keep him for the rest of the season and only allow him to become a Fulham player in the summer.



Still in the midst of his first full season at senior level, they feel he needs more experience before being pitched into the Barclays Premier League.



Jol wants him now, though, and believes his strength and versatility, as a midfield anchor man who can operate in central defence, can help guard against any danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.

