Italians and Fulham join Amoruso hunt

Fulham are poised to move for Amoruso

Fulham and West Ham United target Lorenzo Amoruso will consider options back in his Italian homeland before deciding where his future lies.

First Division leaders Fulham are believed to be the latest to join the race to sign the Rangers defender.

West Ham manager Harry Redknapp is optimistic he will sign Amoruso early next week.

But the defender's agent, Andrea D'Amico, insisted that the 29-year-old has not ruled out a return to his native country.

Other clubs interested

"We have a few other possibilities and we have to do what is best for Lorenzo," D'Amico told the Daily Record.

"There are other clubs interested in Italy, so we must wait to see what they have to offer.

"The Italian transfer market has just opened again and will remain so until the end of January, so we must wait and see what develops before closing any deal with West Ham."

Redknapp's efforts are likely to intensify now that he has all but given up hope of signing Gareth Southgate from Aston Villa.

Deal is on

He has recently sold Rio Ferdinand for £18m and has had Igor Stimac ruled out for at least another month.

Redknapp hopes to meet Amoruso to thrash out a deal early next week with the winter break in Scotland the ideal time to finalise a move.

"The fee is around the £3m mark and I understand there are a few Italian clubs interested"

  Harry Redknapp

"I'm hoping after the weekend to have a meeting with him," he said.

"The deal is on with Rangers, I have spoken to David Murray, the chairman, a few times and it's just whether Amoruso fancies it and we can do a deal with him.

"I wouldn't have a clue what he's looking for in personal terms until we sit down and have a chat with him.

"The fee is around the £3m mark and I understand there are a few Italian clubs interested.

Greater chance

"It's whether he wants to come to England and play in the Premier League or go back to Italy.

"I think Monday or Tuesday next week I'll get a player or two in."

West Ham are likely to stand a greater chance of winning his signature than Fulham as they can offer him Premiership football.

Amoruso has also been talking to fellow Italian and West Ham player Paolo Di Canio about the possible move.

Fulham need a replacement for Welsh international Chis Coleman, who will miss the rest of the season after breaking his leg in a car crash.