Fulham boss Jean Tigana has looked to his native country as his search for new blood continues ahead of the Cottagers' return to the Premiership. The London club are expected to parade French midfielder Steed Malbranque, who will become Tigana's first major summer signing, once personal terms are finalised.
The 21-year-old Lyon star will undergo a medical in London this afternoon following negotiations over the weekend which fine-tuned a reported £4.5million deal to bring Malbranque to Craven Cottage. A club spokesman confirmed an announcement confirming Malbranque's arrival is expected later today or tomorrow.
Malbranque, who has made more than 50 appearances for Lyon, captained France at the 1999 European Under-18 Championships, under the guidance of Fulham assistant manager Christian Damiano.
Elsewhere, Middlesbrough have agreed a £1million deal with Rangers for former Sunderland winger Allan Johnston, who struggled to make an impact at Ibrox following his move from Wearside last summer. Johnston will join Steve McLaren's outfit if he can agree personal terms.
Filed by Shane Murray
