Fulham's £750,000 bid for Kilbane could leave Everton short of options

Fulham last night made a £750,000 bid for the Everton midfielder Kevin Kilbane, although it may require a more tempting offer to lure the Republic of Ireland international away from Goodison Park.

The Fulham manager, Chris Coleman, is anxious to strengthen a midfield that could lose Steed Malbranque ahead of tomorrow's transfer deadline and has targeted Kilbane. However, though Fulham's offer represents a decent return for Everton, who paid Sunderland £1m for him three years ago, their lack of replacements means they are reluctant sellers.

Kilbane has made 121 appearances for David Moyes since 2003, the last of which saw him sent off for two bookable offences during Everton's victory at Tottenham on Saturday.

The winger is one of only two naturally left-sided midfielders at Goodison and with former Dutch international Andy van der Meyde struggling with fitness and disciplinary problems, the Everton manager would be loathe to lose Kilbane so close to the transfer deadline. An improved offer from Fulham could see the deal proceed within the next 24 hours.