Fulham are drawing near to French side Rennes over the signing of defender Hamari Traore

Fulham are looking to bolster their defensive options after turning to Rennes for Hamari Traore.

The Mali international has spent five seasons with the Ligue 1 club, making 224 appearances in all competitions.

Marco Silva wants to strengthen his side despite the excellent return to the Premier League.

Fulham have attacked Rennes over their 30-year-old Malian defender Hamari Traore

Traore has made over 200 appearances for Rennes in five seasons and has been linked with Roma

After their 2-1 win over Chelsea on Thursday night, they are sixth after 19 games with 31 points – already three more than in the entire 2020-21 season, in which they were relegated to the Championship.

Ahead of their game against Chelsea, when asked about the January window, Silva said: “We’re looking for players but I’m not a big fan of changing things in the January market.

“Only if something went wrong – and it hasn’t. We have strengthened ourselves in a number of positions, which we are doing with great ambition.

“We are satisfied with the squad, but we may need to strengthen two or three positions.”

French publication Foot Mercato have reported that an offer worth £3.5million is needed to sign Traore and there have also been reports that Roma are also interested in the player.

Marco Silva’s side have had a brilliant season and sit sixth in the Premier League table