Fulham have reportedly identified Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Edouard Michut as a potential transfer target.
Having come through the PSG youth ranks, the 20-year-old has been provided with six substitute appearances in Ligue 1.
However, Michut's most recent development has come in English football with Sunderland having signed the prospect on loan in August.
Although Michut has not always been regarded as a first-choice pick at the Stadium of Light, he has made eight starts and seven substitute outings in the Championship.
The majority of his appearances have come since the turn of the year, Michut impressing in his 67 minutes on the pitch during the 1-0 victory at Norwich City last weekend.
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As part of their loan agreement with PSG, Sunderland allegedly possess the option to turn Michut's loan spell in the North-East into a permanent deal.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, those options stand at a €2.5m (£2.2m) buy option if Sunderland do not get promoted, and up to €5m (£4.4m) if Sunderland return to the Premier League.
Nevertheless, Romano adds that Fulham could pounce if Sunderland opt against pushing through the full-time transfer of the France Under-19 international.
The Cottagers are said to have joined a hotly-contested race to secure a deal for Michut, it currently undetermined whether he has any future at Parc des Princes.
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PSG are presumably happy to cash in on Michut given that a buy option was inserted in their loan proposal with Sunderland, and the Ligue 1 giants would welcome the chance to improve their standing with FFP.
That said, there is currently uncertainty over how PSG will approach the next transfer window with needing to keep the books in order being a priority to avoid a substantial fine.
From the perspective of Fulham, they are well stocked for options in the middle of the pitch, while Joao Palhinha, Harrison Reed and Andreas Pereira have formed a strong relationship as a trio.
Sasa Lukic has also been signed from Torino, yet the opportunity to sign a younger player with potential would freshen up Marco Silva's options.
Darren Plant
