Transfer news: Fulham manager Martin Jol targets new defender before close of window

Parma defender Yohan Benalouane has been linked with the club

Fulham manager Martin Jol (GETTY IMAGES)

Fulham manager Martin Jol has hinted he could move for a new defender before the transfer window closes.

The Cottagers, beaten 3-1 at home last weekend by Arsenal, travel to Newcastle on Saturday relieved to have edged to victory in a midweek Capital One Cup penalty shoot-out against Burton.

Jol has already moved to strengthen the squad following the signings of midfielders Scott Parker and Adel Taarabt as well as striker Darren Bent, who scored on his debut against Arsenal. The Cottagers boss, though, admits he could do with some cover at the back.

"I think we are pretty satisfied to have the players on the board. I think we did pretty well to get Darren Bent, Scott Parker and Adel Taarabt," he said.

"We will have to wait and see, maybe there will be one. You never know what will happen."

Jol told a press conference, reported on the club's official website, http://www.fulhamfc.com: "I don't think it [deadline day] will be as hectic as it was here over the last season when we had one or two players coming in on the last day, but there are always wishes for any manager.

"I think at the back, for example, we could do with a player, but we'll have to wait and see.

"Of course Aaron Hughes could always play right-back for Sascha (Riether), but we will have to wait and see - maybe there will be one.

"We are probably 20th in the ranking in the league in terms of spending money, but we still do well.

"We are very proud that we still get the good players in - like Bent, and even Scott Parker - and I think if we can do that, attract these players, we will do well."

Fulham have been linked with Parma defender Yohan Benalouane.

Jol said: "He is one of those players who can play left-back, centre-back or right-back, so he fits the bill, but I don't think he will be the one."

Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg (shoulder) remains a doubt for the trip to the north-east and Kieran Richardson (hamstring) is out, while summer signing Fernando Amorebieta, the Venezuela defender, is not yet match fit.

Striker Dimitar Berbatov returns to the squad having been rested in midweek.

PA