Fulham close in on Arter

Fulham are believed to be edging closer to securing the services of Republic of Ireland international Harry Arter from Bournemouth.

The 29-year-old midfielder was left out of the Cherries’ final pre-season friendly against Lyon and now reports have suggested the playmaker is on his way to Craven Cottage in a season-long loan deal.

Fulham appear to have shrugged off competition from Premier League and other Championship clubs to secure Arter’s services, with the likes of Sheffield United, Cardiff City and Stoke City all being linked.

Arter is expected to complete his move early this week, with the summer transfer window set to close on Thursday. The Irishman, who has also had a loan spell with Cardiff in the Premier League, will be a welcomed addition to a Fulham side that suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Barnsley on the opening weekend of the Championship season.

Fulham are still fancied to be one of the sides pushing for the Championship title this term but the defeat in South Yorkshire will have ruled out any illusions that promotion back to the Premier League is a formality this season. The Cottagers will be looking to bounce back and get their first points on the board on Saturday when they welcome Blackburn Rovers to Craven Cottage.

Scott Parker’s side are 1.73 to win, 4.25 to lose and 3.75 to draw against the Lancashire outfit. Meanwhile, Fulham are 8.00 to win the Championship title and 3.00 to secure promotion back to the top flight.