Fulham dispense with Baresi's services
Having been reassigned from his director of football role to one of an ambiguous 'consultant', the writing has been on the wall, although rumours of a falling out with manager Jean Tigana seem wide of the mark.
Mohamed Al-Fayed, Fulham's owner is believed to be unhappy with the way Baresi approached his job, having been linked to a plethora of Italians, most of venerable age. Indeed the Milan legend may have been viewed as something of a 'loose cannon' at Craven Cottage.
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar gave away the news whilst with the Dutch squad, saying: "There is no problem any more.
"Baresi has gone and it is only Tigana now. Tigana has won the battle but all the players like working with him and it is not a problem."
Only last week Al-Fayed added to the speculation about Baresi's future by saying: "Baresi came on a six-month trial period.
"I wanted to have a legendary name such as his linked to Fulham, but mainly I wanted him to repeat the role he had at AC Milan where he scouted worldwide for players.
"The press translated Baresi as a manager in waiting when, in truth, there has never been a problem between the two men.
"The only problem was that his title suggested he had other roles close to Tigana's.
"That's why we changed it to special adviser on football matters to me."
Facundo Sava's move from Gimnasia La Plata is being increasingly questioned by observers, with the Argentinian striker having only played 12 minutes of Fulham's season so far and it is not the high profile deal expected of Baresi.
However, if the news is confirmed on Wednesday, it is unlikely that Baresi would find himself out of a job in football for too long, such is the reputation of the man.
