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Fulham’s official bid for Turkish full-back Zeki Celik has been rejected by Serie A club AS Roma today, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

 

The Cottagers, with the hope of qualifying for Europe next season, are looking to make a late move in the January transfer market.

 

They have set their sights on Roma’s Turkish full-back, who has fallen down the pecking order in Rome following the arrival of Devyne Rensch from Ajax.

 

 

The Cottagers therefore believe that the Serie A club will be willing to do business for the 27-year-old, who turns 28 on 17th February.

 

However, their offer is only for a loan with an option to buy which is something Roma are not open to.

 

 

And they have rejected the Premier League club’s initial offer.

 

Roma would instead be open to a possible move if Fulham include an obligation to buy in their bid.

 

 

Celik has been an important member of Claudio Ranieri’s team and has played 20 Serie A matches for them so far.