Premier League club enter the race to sign Barcelona defensive prodigy – report

Premier League club enter the race to sign Barcelona defensive prodigy – report The influence of new manager Alvaro Arbeloa has been evident in Fulham’s transfer strategy this summer, with the former Real Madrid bringing in the likes of Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios. Arbeloa continues to scour the market for more Spanish talents as he looks to kickstart a new era at Craven Cottage. Fulham sets sights on Hector Fort Hector Fort has no future at Barcelona. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Arbeloa’s search has now led him to Barcelona, with Fulham eyeing a move for the club’s defensive prodigy Hector Fort, reports Diario SPORT . According to the report, Arbeloa is on the hunt for a right-back and has asked Fulham to sound out the economic conditions required to lure Fort to the Premier League. Fulham are not the only English club keen either, with several outlets insisting Everton also retain an interest in the Barcelona academy graduate. Fort, who is valued at around €10 million, could therefore have no shortage of options should he decide his future lies away from Camp Nou. Fort’s uncertain future The full-back currently continues to train under Hansi Flick, but his long-term prospects at the club appear uncertain. Hector Fort likely to fall behind Espart in the pecking order. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) Fort is considered one of the candidates to leave in the final stretch of the window in search of regular minutes. He already spent last season on loan at Elche, where he recovered from a serious injury to finish the campaign strongly, and another temporary or permanent move could now be on the cards. The right-back position at Barcelona looks well stocked. The continuity of Jules Kounde, combined with the expected permanent return of Joao Cancelo from Al Hilal, suggests Fort may struggle for opportunities. Not to mention, coach Hansi Flick is extremely happy with the progress of Xavi Espart , who might even move ahead of Fort in the pecking order. For Fort, a switch to Fulham would represent an exciting opportunity to test himself in the Premier League under a coach clearly willing to trust young players.