Fulham has made contact with Premier League side Brighton about the potential signing of attacking midfielder Anthony Knockaert, The Sun has reported.

The London side are keen to make an immediate return to the Premier League following their relegation after just a single year in the top flight last season and have reportedly identified Knockaert as someone who can help them do that.

It is thought that Fulham see Knockaert as a player who can provide them with goals and creativity from the attacking wide areas, following the departures of Andre Schurrle and Ryan Babel, as well as Ryan Sessegnon's anticipated move from Fulham.

Knockaert does have proven pedigree in winning promotion to the Premier League, having been named Championship Player of the Year in 2017 as Brighton finished runners up to Newcastle to secure promotion to the top flight.

While no official bid has been made, initial talks are said to have seen discussions about a £15million transfer fee, with Knockaert thought to be willing to take the step down to the Championship due to the prospect of an increase in his wages to £40,000 a week.

Since joining Brighton from Belgian side Standard Liege in January 2016, Knockaert has made 139 appearances and scored 27 goals in all competitions for the Seagulls.

There are currently three years remaining on the 27-year-old's current contract at The AMEX Stadium, which is set to run until the summer of 2022.

The Verdict

What a signing this could be for Fulham.

Knockaert has already shown during his time at Brighton that he is more than capable of helping teams out of this division, and seems to be just what Fulham need as they look for a quick response to last season's dismal relegation.

With Aleksandar Mitrovic having signed a new contract and a loan move for Wolves' Ivan Cavaleiro apparently close to completion, adding Knockaert would surely complete a three-pronged attack that would cause problems for any defence in the division.

This would be a big statement from Fulham, and it is interesting to note the starting fee discussed sits at £15million, which appears to suggest that Fulham has not been put off spending big by the disastrous campaign that followed their big-spending summer of 12 months ago.