FULHAM TO MAKE PEARCE MOVE

The 26-year-old has seemingly been pushed down the pecking order at Upton Park and now he could be set to leave The Hammers for Jean Tigana`s promotion chasers for £3.5 million.

Although, Harry Redknapp has denied that a bid has been made, and said: "I've not heard anything about that at all."

Pearce damaged his cruciate ligament against Tottenham on the opening day of the 1999/2000 season and he subsequently missed the whole campaign, but he is now back to full fitness and has appeared seven times this season.

However, the arrivals of Christian Dailly, Hannu Tihinen, Ragnvald Soma and  Rigobert Song, plus the good form of veteran Stuart Pearce, have meant that the chances for the former Blackburn ace are severley limited.

The Cottagers have been searching for a central defender, since captain Chris Coleman broke his leg in a car accident and was ruled out for the rest of the season and had been strongly linked to Newcastle`s Alain Goma.

However, Pearce seems to be the man Tigana wants and £3.5 million should see the deal go through, but Middlesbrough`s transfer listed Gianluca Festa, could also be a target.

Festa reiterated his stance that he wants to leave Teesside over the weekend and a move looks likely, and Fulham could mount a bid.

Another possible Fulham target, Martin Djetou, has stated that he would love to play for the French legend, who he played under when Tigana was in charge at Monaco.

The Monaco defender has already said he would love to move to England, but he has highlighted Fulham as his preferred choice.

"My dream is to once again play for Tigana," said Djetou. "He is a great coach who knows my game."

The 26-year-old is likely to move to England at the end of the season.