And Fulham have now confirmed that 23-year-old Wome, who has had discussions over a contract and undergone a medical, is expected to become Tigana’s fifth summer signing before the weekend.

The defender played against England in May’s 2-2 World Cup warm-up match – and in all three of his nation’s fixtures in the Republic of Ireland’s Group.

After starting out with home country clubs Fogape and Canon Yaounde, Wome moved to Vicenza in 1996.

However, he has been unable to pin down a regular starting place in six seasons in Italy, taking in spells with Vicenza, Lucchese, Roma and Bologna.

He arrived at Bologna’s Renato Dall’Ara stadium in summer 1999 but has made just 46 appearances in the three seasons since and is not expected to be first-choice under coach Francesco Guidolin this term.

However, 5ft 11in Wome’s hopes of being a regular starter at Fulham’s temporary Loftus Road home could be shattered – as Jean Tigana is believed to be interested in him only as cover for left-back Rufus Brevett, who is just back to fitness after a summer groin problem.

Tigana also has Jon Harley at his disposal for the number three shirt – but, despite spending £3.5m (€5.5m) to sign him from Chelsea last summer – does not rate him above veteran defender Brevett.

The progress of Wome’s move has been delayed slightly by Fulham’s Intertoto Cup semi-final, second leg clash with Sochaux in eastern France.

But Cottagers officials are confident of completing the capture of Wome after returning to London tomorrow.

Ironically, Fulham, if they protect their 1-0 first leg advantage tonight, are almost certain to face Wome’s club Bologna in next week’s Intertoto final.

Bologna face Czech side FK Teplice in the other last-four clash in Fulham’s section of the draw tonight, with a healthy 5-1 lead from last week’s first leg.