Ranieri makes ‘express request’ for signing, but Watford and West Ham now rivalling Fulham

If the Italian media are to be believed, there’s a great deal of interest in Gregoire Defrel.

Several sources have been reporting a supposed chase and there’s been claims of contact and even offers.

On Saturday, Corriere dello Sport reported that Claudio Ranieri has made an ‘express request’ of Fulham to sign the AS Roma owned player, but they point out West Ham and Watford are also keen and will be competition.

On loan at Sampdoria, Defrel has scored six Serie A goals so far this season, and the last one of those came at the beginning of November, so the widespread interest seems curious.

Corriere dello Sport believe Roma cutting that loan short and selling the player could bring ‘a substantial chunk of treasure’.

AC Milan and Atalanta are also presented as interested, but it’s pointed out that Sampdoria have no interest in cutting the loan short and the player is happy at the Genoa club.

Fulham, Watford and West Ham seem to be among the favoured clubs for Italian based transfer rumours right now.