Fulham line up bid for Sevilla forward Lucas Ocampos

Fulham have enquired about the availability of Sevilla forward Lucas Ocampos ahead of a potential summer move, according to the Daily Mail.

The Argentine winger spent the first half of last season on loan at Ajax, where he managed just four Eredivisie appearances before returning to Sevilla in January.

Upon his return, the former Olympique Marseille man wasted no time establishing himself as a prominent part of Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side, contributing four goals in 19 La Liga outings.

The 28-year-old also scored once and set up two goals in the Europa League. He played the entire 120 minutes in the final as the Rojiblancos beat Roma to claim their seventh triumph in Europe’s second-tier tournament.

The two-time Europa League winner will enter the final 12 months of his contract when the new campaign begins meaning Sevilla can either sell this summer or risk losing him on a free transfer next year.

Fulham are aware of Ocampos’ situation and are trying to take full advantage as they plan to bolster their squad ahead of next season.

Marco Silva’s side defied expectations last term, finishing in the top half of the table despite only securing top-flight promotion in the previous season.

The Cottagers are keen to build on their impressive campaign but will require significant reinforcement from the transfer window, and they have set their sights on Ocampos.

Since ending his loan-riddled four-year stint with Marseille, the Argentina international has made 161 appearances for Sevilla, scoring 39 times and setting up a further 17.

Ocampos could replace Willian at Fulham, with the Brazilian winger expected to leave Craven Cottage when his contract runs out at the end of this month.

Willian was one of the protagonists in Fulham’s overachieving campaign. The former Chelsea and Arsenal man racked up five goals and six assists in 27 Premier League games, but his time with the West Londoners is set to run out this month.

Meanwhile, Fulham are braced for bids for full-back Antonee Robinson and have slapped a £35 million price tag on the defender, who is attracting interest from Manchester City and Newcastle United.