Evening Standard
·12 June 2024
Evening Standard
·12 June 2024
The Luton Town defender was a target in January and Marco Silva is ready to reignite interest
Fulham are interested in Luton Town defender Teden Mengi and plan to sign at least two centre-backs this summer.
Manager Marco Silva insisted last month that the club must strengthen in central defence.
The need for more centre-backs grew last week when Tosin Adarabioyo’s exit was confirmed, with the 26-year-old leaving on a free transfer to join rivals Chelsea.
Tim Ream, meanwhile, is closing in on a move to join MLS side Charlotte FC, which would leave Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey as the club’s only recognised centre-backs.
Fulham are considering their options in defence and are keen on Mengi, 22, who came through Manchester United’s academy.
He earned plaudits for his performances for Luton last season but hopes to play Premier League football next term, with Fulham weighing up a bid.
Mengi made 30 top-flight appearances last term, earning his England Under-21s debut in March in a 7-0 win over Luxembourg in Euro 2025 qualifying.
Fulham were interested in moving for Mengi in January but Luton manager Rob Edwards ruled out a mid-season exit for the centre-back.
The defender is also reportedly of interest to Crystal Palace and was watched at Kenilworth Road last season by Bayer Leverkusen’s chief UK-based scout, Matthew Green, when the Hatters lost 3-1 to Sheffield United.
While Luton will be keen to keep hold of Mengi as they eye an immediate return to the Premier League, the significance of any potential fee they could receive by selling him will also come into their thinking this summer.