Fulham are closing in on the signing of Harry Arter according to The Sun.

The midfielder, who is the brother-in-law of manager Scott Parker, could join on a season-long loan from Bournemouth, as The Cottagers appear to have beaten competition from Cardiff, Stoke and Sheffield United.

Arter has reportedly completed a medical and now it is just a matter of formalities to be completed, with Fulham expected to insert a clause into the deal to allow the deal to be made permanent at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old has been with The Cherries since 2010 but has fallen out of favour with Eddie Howe in recent years, spending last season on loan at Cardiff where he played in 25 league games.

He has made a total of 94 Premier League appearances since Bournemouth's promotion in 2015, but now looks set for life outside the top division, where Parker will hope he can play a big role in a Championship promotion campaign.

The Verdict

This should be a very good move for both club and player. Arter is very experienced now but he still has the athleticism to play in his trademark box-to-box style, and he should provide a lot of energy to the Fulham midfield.

His determined style should provide the team with intensity, but also a never-say-die attitude that is vital in promotion-winning sides.

In recent years he has focused more of the defensive side of his game, so he will provide balance to the midfield, allowing players like Tom Cairney to venture forward to express themselves.

If Arter can stay fit he will help to keep Parker's midfield ticking over and will constantly provide an outlet to the defence when passing it out from the back.