Real Betis midfielder William Carvalho has rejected a potential loan-to-buy move to Championship side Fulham, as per Mundo Deportivo.
The 29-year-old midfielder, who has 68 caps for the Portugal national team and was part of the side that won the European Championships back in 2016 after claiming a shock 1-0 win over hosts France.
And despite Carvalho making 27 La Liga appearances for Betis last term, he could now be set for a move away from the Spanish top tier with Fulham and Premier League new boys Norwich City both reported to be interested in his services.
It was the Cottagers who moved first for the Portuguese midfielder, submitting a loan offer with the obligation to buy if they return to the Premier League, a potential move that has now been all but ruled out this window after the player's rejection.
Meanwhile, the Canaries have not yet made an approach for the midfielder with Billy Gilmour (loan) and Pierre Lees-Melou both arriving at Carrow Road this summer - and FC Rostov's Mathias Normann joining them in the middle of the park yesterday after arriving from Russia on a season-long loan.
It remains to be seen whether they enter the race for his signature and tempt Carvalho to Norfolk with Premier League football on offer, although there's every chance Marco Silva's side will also re-enter the race and offer him improved terms to secure his signature.
The Verdict:
The potential of this deal happening will depend on two different factors.
Firstly, Norwich City may not have a huge financial advantage over the west London side but the possibility of playing football in the Premier League is likely to be a far more attractive option than spending a season in the Championship, even with Silva's side currently sitting at the top of the table.
Secondly, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's likely move away from the club could enable the Cottagers to table an improved offer to Carvalho. This is regardless of whether the Cameroonian leaves on loan or on a permanent deal. Either way, it will help to get his wages off the books to potentially bring in the west London side's 29-year-old target.
A midfield of William Carvalho, Jean Michael Seri, Harrison Reed and Josh Onomah would be sensational with Tom Cairney to return as well, potentially in a more advanced position. Nonetheless, this is a fantastic amount of quality and depth to have in the middle and will only help them in their quest to return to the top flight.
Swansea City captain Matt Grimes seems to be a target too (22:45, August 29th), so things are looking up at Craven Cottage regardless of whether this deal eventually goes through or not.