Fulham line up £3.5m swoop for Everton striker Jermaine Beckford
Cottagers continue deadline day work as they look to bring in the Everton striker as support for Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson as well as finalising a deal for Bryan RuizAug 31, 2011 12:30:00 PM
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey
Fulham have targeted a deadline day move for Everton striker Jermaine Beckford as they close in on the ?12million signing of Bryan Ruiz, Goal.com can reveal.
Martin Jol wants another target-man-style centre-forward to ease some of the burden on Bobby Zamora.
The Fulham manager has been linked with a move for Cameron Jerome but it is understood that the Birmingham City striker is his back-up option to Beckford.
Fulham have made an official approach for the 27-year-old and, although cash-strapped Everton are reluctant sellers, the Londoners are confident they can prise him from Goodison Park for around £3.5m.
With his forward options limited, manager David Moyes is reluctant to sell the former Leeds United player, who moved to Merseyside on a free transfer last summer.
However, Everton's financial problems have been well documented and they would be unable to fend off an offer that matches their valuation of the striker, who scored 10 goals last season in his maiden Premier League campaign but often struggled for consistency. After missing the start of the season through injury, he returned to action as a substitute last weekend against Blackburn Rovers.
It promises to be a busy final day of the window for Fulham, who are confident of completing the signing of Ruiz from FC Twente.
The 26-year-old flew to London last night from Holland to finalise personal terms and will undergo a medical at the club's Motspur Park training base on Wednesday.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/08/31/2644305/fulham-line-up-35m-swoop-for-everton-striker-jermaine