Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has asked the club's board to look into signing Barcelona full-back Hector Fort, according to a report by Diario Sport citing sources in the United Kingdom. Barcelona would be expected to sanction a permanent sale if an offer in the region of 10 million euros arrives.
Fort is 21 years old and can play at either left-back or right-back. He returned to Barcelona this summer after a loan spell with Elche in the Spanish second division.
Yahoo Sports reported the development, noting that Fort fits a clear pattern in Arbeloa's recruitment at Craven Cottage. Since leaving Real Madrid, the Fulham manager has signed midfielder Gonzalo Garcia and defender Cesar Palacios from his former club. Fort would be a third young Spanish player brought in under Arbeloa's direction.
The reported interest began with Arbeloa's internal request to Fulham's hierarchy to examine a deal, rather than any formal bid. Barcelona have not yet received an offer. The Spanish club is expected to approve a permanent transfer if the 10 million euro valuation is met.
Fort has not yet established himself as a first-team regular at Barcelona. His loan to Elche gave him consistent playing time, and the return to Catalonia this summer leaves his status at the club uncertain heading into the new season.
