Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has revealed that Fulham have turned to Cardiff City left back Joe Bennett as they seek to replace Scott Malone, who has left the club to join Premier League new-boys Huddersfield Town. 

The departure of Malone, as well as the emergence of Ryan Sessegnon as an increased threat when pushed forward and playing on the left wing has made Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic dip into the market to bolster his options at left back.

Thomas suggests that Bennett is in Jokanovic's sights, although he might have a fight on his hands, as Bennett is clearly a part of Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock's plans for the forthcoming season, as he has started both of Cardiff's two league matches so far - which they have won without conceding a goal, to go top of the league, against Burton Albion and Aston Villa.

27-year-old Bennett has plenty of experience in the second tier, having made 154 appearances in the Championship, across spells at Middlesbrough, with whom he started his career, Brighton and Hove Albion, Sheffield Wednesday, as well as Cardiff.

Those outings saw Bennett find the back of the net on 5 occasions, and lay on an assist for a team mate a further seven times and he also has experience in the Premier League, which is of course where Fulham are aiming to end up at the end of the season.

Bennett has made 31 top flight appearances, the majority of which came with Aston Villa.

The Verdict: 

Fulham are looking for a ready-made replacement for Malone, and Bennett, with his wealth of experience in the second tier, appears to fit the bill.

Early in his career, doubts persisted over his defensive ability, but the fact he is now a fixture in a Neil Warnock side - a manager who focuses on the basics first - underlines the fact that his defending has improved as he's matured.

The main stumbling block for Fulham will be persuading him to leave Cardiff, but Jokanovic will be hopeful that he can persuade the Englishman that his prospects of promotion are greater in West London than in South Wales.

Fulham fans - do you fancy having Bennett at your club? Let us know in the comments below...