Hodgson dealing at Fulham
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has been a busy man on transfer deadline day as he moves to improve his side’s Premier League chances for the rest of the season.
The Cottagers manager has moved to sign Nicky Shorey from Aston Villa until the end of the season, with the England international set to fill the gap in the side caused by injury to Paul Konchesky.
Shorey has been on loan at Championship side Nottingham Forest for the last few months but could help improve Fulham’s struggling defence and stop the slide which has seen their European qualification odds drift out in recent weeks.
Hodgson has also increased his attacking options at Craven Cottage by completing a move to sign Stefano Okaka from Serie A side Roma.
The Italy Under-21 forward comes to West London with a big reputation and Fulham have the option of extending the loan for a further year if he impresses between now and the end of the season.
Okaka has said he is excited about coming to play n England and hopes to benefit from the experience in the coming years.
“It is crucial for me to go to England and play in the Premier League. I hope I can return stronger than before,” he said.
The loan deal expires in June but there is the option to remain there for a further year. We shall see.”
Okaka played in the Europa League games between Roma and Fulham earlier this season and the West London club are looking to qualify for that tournament again next season – though they are currently languishing in 11th position and eight points behind seventh-placed Aston Villa.
Fulham’s aspirations for this Premier League season were dealt a blow during January as influential winger Clint Dempsey received knee ligament damage during their game against Blackburn.
The loss of the forward could hamper the side’s bid for European qualification this season, though it is hoped the US international could return before the end of the campaign.
