Former Fulham coach Rene Meulensteen admits he is excited to see his old side in action and has praised their summer transfer business.

The west Londoners are still trying to finalise more deals before Thursday’s 5pm deadline but Meulensteen insists their previous work should be praised. The Cottagers broke their transfer record for midfielder Jean-Michael Seri after he arrived from Nice earlier.

He was close to joining Barcelona a year ago and Meulensteen admits the deal could go down as one of the best of the window. The former Whites boss told Five Live Sport:

“I tell you what, Jean-Michael Seri… an absolute steal, in my opinion. He is a top six, if not a top three player. He reminds me of Clarence Seedorf – he’s got that guile and moves the ball – and Fulham’s got him. Fantastic.” Current coach Slavisa Jokanovic is preparing his team for their first game of the season against Crystal Palace.

Fulham are 2.38 to grab all three points, with the draw now 3.40. Palace are the slight outsiders at odds of 3.00.

Meulensteen believes the club is in a great place under the former Watford manager. He added: “Jokanovic has been brilliant. What he’s done – he’s gone in and said, ‘Listen if you want to stay in here [the Premier League], we need to make sure we’re covered in all positions and you’re going to give us the best possible chance’.

“But looking at what they’ve spent and bring (Andre) Schurrle in as well and now (Calum) Chambers on loan, they’ve got some good players already, play some good football, so yeah, looking forward to it.”