Lille are reportedly prepared to block any last-minute efforts from Manchester United and Fulham to sign Edon Zhegrova before the transfer window closes.
The 25-year-old Ligue 1 attacker has been in excellent form so far this season, scoring three goals in four Champions League qualification matches.
Man United have been linked with a move for Zhegrova before Friday's 11pm transfer deadline, with Jadon Sancho currently in discussions with Chelsea about a transfer to Stamford Bridge.
Fulham, meanwhile, are looking to strengthen in the wide areas following the exits of Willian and Bobby de Cordova-Reid earlier this summer.
However, it seems that both Premier League clubs will now have to look elsewhere for suitable targets with Zhegrova likely to remain in Ligue 1 beyond the transfer deadline.
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Lille to block offers for Zhegrova
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lille are not willing to entertain any offers for their Albanian winger to be sold in the final hours of the transfer window.
"Lille will not let Edon Zhegrova leave today, despite reports linking him to Manchester United," Romano wrote on X.
It is understood that the Kosovo international, who still has another two years remaining on this current contract, would have been open to a move to the Premier League had a concrete offer been made.
Zhegrova is coming off an impressive 2023-24 season, during which he scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists in 47 appearances for Lille, which helped the Ligue 1 club secure a return to the Champions League.
The 25-year-old has yet to play in the league this season due to a red card he received in the 98th minute of the final game last term.
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Fulham, Man United to turn attention elsewhere
With Lille prepared to block offers for Zhegrova, both Man United and Fulham are expected to pursue other targets before the transfer deadline.
Reports suggest that Marco Silva has been keeping an eye on Lyon's Ernest Nuamah, while the Cottagers have also been credited with interest in Newcastle United's Miguel Almiron.
Other players on Silva's radar include Girona's Viktor Tsygankov and 24-year-old Arsenal attacker Reiss Nelson, who has been actively looking for a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer in search of guaranteed playing time.
Man United, meanwhile, are said to be interested in making late moves for Manu Kone from Borussia Monchengladbach and Feyenoord's Quinten Timber.
Devesh Jaganath
