John Riise ss
	Club	Monaco
	Position	Defender
	D.O.B.	24/09/80
	P.O.B.	Norway
	Height	6' 1
	Weight	12st 2
	App's 00/01	8 +9
	Goals 00/01	2

Fulham are closing in on Norwegian international John Arne Riise.

The Division One champions were due to open talks with the the 20-year-old today (Monday), according to Norwegian newspaper reports.

Cottagers chief Jean Tigana, who has missed out on Czech striker Jan Koller already this summer, is believed to be on his way to Norway to finalise a deal for the Monaco man.

Riise's agent, his mother Berit, told Nettavisen: "There are some truth in these reports. A move to Fulham would be a good move for John Arne, but there are plenty of other clubs who are keen to sign him this summer too."

Riise was close to signing for Leeds United at the start of the season but the £6million price tag scuppered any possible deal for the youngster.

And Mrs Riise has urged Monaco not to price him out of another possible move to the Premiership.

She said: "I really hope that Monaco don't price him out of the market. After all, he hasn't been a first team regular this season, and £6 million may be too much to pay for some club."

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