Fulham make Smertin offer
Fulham have offered a contract to former Russia captain Alexei Smertin, according to the player’s agent.
Smertin parted company with Dinamo Moscow last week, prompting speculation that the 31-year-old former Chelsea, Portsmouth and Charlton midfielder could be set for a return to the Premiership.
The player’s agent, Paulo Barboza, claimed that Smertin’s former boss at Charlton, Alan Curbishley, currently in charge at West Ham, has also made an approach for his services.
Barboza told Tvoy Den newspaper: “We are in active discussions with mainly English clubs. We have a whole bunch of interesting offers. Fulham are one of the clubs who want to sign Alexei, and I met with their representatives recently. They have made Smertin a firm offer, but it’s too early to talk about signing a contract.
“An offer from Alan Curbishley at West Ham, who knows the player very well from his time at Charlton, interested the player.
“But the team currently lie at the bottom of the league and are fighting for survival, and we don’t want Alexei to join another relegation candidate.
“Smertin has enough strength and experience to accomplish higher things. Plus we have more attractive offers.
“I think that in the coming days everything will be finalised. What remains is to settle a few matters regarding Alexei’s move, including with his former club Dinamo Moscow.”
