Fulham need more than full-back Sabaly to boost their survival bid in January

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Fulham are eyeing up a January move for versatile Bordeaux defender Youssouf Sabaly to bolster their survival bid, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

They report that Claudio Ranieri wants the eight-cap Senegal international to stiffen up a Cottagers defence that has been the club’s achilles heel this season and represents their biggest current barrier to survival.

The report claims that Fulham have already made a first offer for the defender and are keen to get the deal over the line as soon as possible with interest from Napoli lingering over the player.

Sabaly is a right-back primarily, but can play at left-back as well, but Ranieri is actually currently well-stocked in those roles.

Ranieri can call upon Cyrus Christie, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Denis Odoi on the right of his defence – where Calum Chambers can also fill in if needs be – and Joe Bryan on the left.

Convincing an international defender to switch from a side that was in this season’s Europa League to a side in grave danger of relegation will be costly and Ranieri’s resources would be better used elsewhere.

A commanding central defender would do much more for Fulham’s survival hopes than a versatile full-back; but the general trend needs to be towards a performance of more commitment and spirit than was on display against Oldham on Sunday.