According to TEAMtalk, Fulham are confident that they will beat Norwich City in the race to sign Grant Hanley from Newcastle United this summer.

Rafa Benitez has told Hanley he is surplus to requirements at Newcastle, with the defender making just one appearance so far this season for the Magpies across all competitions.

The 25-year-old has only been at St James’ Park for a year, but he struggled to break into Newcastle’s starting XI on a regular basis, making just five league starts and 10 league appearances in 12-months.

Prior to that, Hanley was at Blackburn Rovers, where he made 200 appearances and impressed at Ewood Park in both the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship.

The Scottish international is attracting attention from the Championship, with both Fulham and Norwich keen to sign the defender, who Newcastle paid a reported £5.5m for last summer.

Whilst Norwich are looking to strike a deal for Hanley, Fulham are confident they will pip their rivals to his signature, as Slavisa Jokanovic looks to finalise his summer business in the coming days.

Fulham have made an indifferent start to the Championship season, with the Cottagers picking up just one victory from their opening six fixtures of the campaign.

The Verdict

Hanley would be an excellent addition for most in the Championship, with the defender able to count himself unlucky to have been used so sparingly at Newcastle over the last 12-months.

The 25-year-old would walk into most Championship teams, and should he get a move to Craven Cottage, he would certainly improve them.

Fulham’s form has been unconvincing so far this summer, but the addition of Hanley, with the experience he has in the Championship, could be vital in helping Jokanovic’s side back into the hunt for promotion.

Fulham fans… Let us know your thoughts!