Fulham eyeing loan deal for goalkeeper Joe Lewis

Fulham are close to completing a short-term loan deal for Cardiff City goalkeeper Joe Lewis, according to Sky sources.

The Whites need cover for injured first-choice keeper Marcus Bettinelli, who is expected to undergo surgery on a knee-ligament injury and remain sidelined for a number of months.

Lewis is Cardiff's third-choice keeper behind David Marshall and Simon Moore, and the 27-year-old is keen to go out on loan and play regular first-team games.

After his side drew 1-1 at home to Huddersfield on Saturday, Fulham boss Kit Symons admitted the club had identified their target and were close to completing the deal.

Symons said: "We are looking to bring in a goalkeeper on a short-term loan deal. 

"I have decided who that is and it is close to happening, so that will be a bit of good news.

"Marcus has damaged two ligaments and we are still waiting on surgeon advice on what the procedure is going to be. But he is going to be out for a good few months no matter what."

Murphy joined Cardiff from Peterborough in 2012 but has struggled to break into City's first-team.

He began his career at Norwich and has played for England at U21 level.