A leading tabloid, well aware that the future sale of Chris Smalling will leave us short of defensive cover, is doing it`s best to find us a potential replacement.

The Daily Mirror today runs a little article implying that Fulham are in the mix to sign the young Southend United defender Anthony Furlong.

It even goes so far as to suggest that talks have already been held with the player.

But, and it`s a big but, nothing appears to be concrete with the article also implying that Manchester City are closely monitoring his case and are prepared to view his credentials first hand by giving him a run out in their youth team.

It could prove interesting to see how this one pans out!