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John
Arne Riise
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MONACO`S John Arne Riise has been given
permission by the French club to open negotiations with Fulham, after
the First Division champions had a £4 million bid accepted.
The Under-21 international, who scored the fifth goal in Norway`s 5-1
win over Belarus in Drammen in front of a host of English sides, was told
on Tuesday that he could leave the Stade Louis II.
Monaco finally agreed to Riise`s departure after lengthy negotiations
between the Principality club and the player`s mother Berit and his agent
Einar Baardsen.
When asked about whether the deal was imminent, Baardsen admitted the
deal, saying: "That is correct. We have been waiting for this, and
now we can start negotiations with Fulham."We will negotiate will
Fulham before we speak to other clubs. One thing is sure though, the future
is bright for John Arne."Finally we have got what we wanted. We have
waited a long time for the all clear from Monaco, and if we succeed in
the negotiations, it is up to John Arne to pick his club."
Baardsen also confirmed that Liverpool could enter the bidding.
"We know that Liverpool are interested, and we have told them that
we will speak to Fulham. This means that they will have to hurry,"
added Riise`s agent."There are no other clubs in the running now."
Riise, who has already worked under Jean Tigana at Monaco, is thought
to favour a move to Craven Cottage and his representatives will travel
to West London on Thursday to discuss terms.
"The club is really not that important, what matters is that I get
to play," said Riise."In addition to Fulham, I know of two other
Premiership clubs that are interested. It remains for the clubs to agree
terms, and I hope but don't believe it will happen."
The 20-year-old is likely to opt for Fulham, as they unlike Liverpool,
could guarantee first team football, although the other club believed
to be interested, Blackburn, may yet make a bid.
Rovers manager Graeme Souness watched Riise personally in action on Tuesday
evening and will have been impressed, but he will have to move quickly
if he wants to beat Fulham to the youngster's signature.
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Source planetfootball by Graeme Bailey & Thor Egil Skaug