Fulham’s pursuit of Rennes defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal has suffered a setback after the French club rejected a £20 million bid for the highly-rated centre-back.
The Morocco international is understood to be interested in a move to Craven Cottage, raising hopes that a deal could eventually be struck despite the initial rejection.
However, reports indicate that Fulham are unlikely to return with an improved offer as they continue to assess alternative defensive targets ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Cottagers are in the market for defensive reinforcements and had identified Ait Boudlal as a key option, but Rennes’ valuation of the 20-year-old appears to have complicated negotiations.
Despite the player’s reported willingness to make the switch to England, Fulham are not expected to be drawn into a bidding war and could instead turn their attention to other centre-back options.
Ait Boudlal has emerged as one of Morocco’s brightest defensive prospects and has attracted attention with his composed displays, physical presence and ability to play out from the back.
With the transfer window still open, Fulham retain time to strengthen their defence, although it remains to be seen whether they will revive their interest in Ait Boudlal or pursue alternative targets.
