Fulham summer capture Maxime Le Marchand says ensuring the Cottagers remain in the Premier League is the top target for the upcoming campaign.

The west Londoners won promotion via the play-offs last term to return to the top flight after a four-year absence.

Defender Le Marchand made the move to Craven Cottage earlier this month from Nice, with midfielder Jean-Michael Seri also making the switch from Les Aiglons to Fulham.

The capture of Seri, a former Barcelona target, is particularly eye-catching and La Marchand is in confident mood ahead of the new season – although the 28-year-old insists survival has to be the first priority for Fulham.

“I’ve been made to feel very welcome by everyone at the club and the players and I’m really happy to be here with this team,” he said, as reported by football.london.

“I’m very happy to be with him [Jean-Michael Seri] here, he is a friend and he has a philosophy, which is the way that I like to play as well. I’m very happy that he is here with me.

“The first stop is to play well, to help the club develop and play as well, to have a good time and prolong our stay as much as possible in the Premier League.”

Fulham begin the new Premier League season with a home game against Crystal Palace on August 11 and they are 2.30 to secure all three points. The Cottagers are 11.00 to win 2-0 or 4.20 with a -1 handicap.