Fulham step up chase for centre-back as newly-promoted side enquire about Chelsea's Malang Sarr and towering Southampton defender Jannick Vestergaard, with West Ham's Issa Diop also on list of targets Fulham are seeking several options for a centre back from Premier League rivals Chelsea's Malang Sarr and Leicester's Jannick Vestergaard are being considered They're bidding £15m for Issa Diop - but West Ham are also short of defenders Fulham need a new centre back, and they're scouting Premier League rivals - namely Malang Sarr, Issa Diop and Jannik Vestergaard. The Cottagers have just 16 senior players in their squad, and Marco Silva's side are urgently seeking defensive reinforcements with their opening league game on Saturday. Chelsea's Sarr made 21 appearances for the Blues last season across all competitions, and Fulham have considered loan and permanent offers for the French youth international. Malang Sarr has been part of Chelsea's pre-season plans, but could be switching to Fulham Sarr has played for the Blues during their pre-season friendlies in the USA and Italy, but Chelsea may expect Sarr to leave, especially as they remain in the market for new arrivals themselves. Fulham have also increased their offer to London rivals West Ham for Diop, increasing their bid to £15m for the 25-year-old. However, the Hammers would have to get a replacement for Diop as they're short on defenders themselves - including the loss of new signing Nayef Aguerd due to ankle surgery after sustaining an injury in a pre-season friendly. Fulham may find their pursuit of Issa Diop hampered by West Ham's own defensive issues Jannik Vestergaard could be on his way out of Leicester after struggling to fit in with the Foxes Leicester's 6ft 6in defender Vestergaard could also come to Fulham's rescue, with the Dane making just 10 league starts for the Foxes since joining from Southampton last year. Vestergaard has struggled to get into Brendan Rodgers' side, and Leicester are thought to be considering offers if Fulham - or anyone else - is paying the right price. Silva's Fulham begin their return to the Premier League by hosting Liverpool at Craven Cottage this weekend. Fulham manager Marco Silva seeks defensive reinforcements ahead of club's league campaign
