Fulham will sign Shane Duffy on a permanent deal from Brighton to pave the way for Cedric Soares

Fulham will make the loan of Shane Duffy from Brighton permanent to pave the way for the arrival of Arsenal defender Cedric Soares.

Marco Silva’s side already have Duffy, who has made just five appearances since joining last summer, and Leeds’ Dan James as their two designated national loans, but a deal for the former is cheaper to complete.

Cedric will then move short distance to west London on loan from Arsenal after falling out of favor with the Emirates.

Fulham will make Shane Duffy’s loan from Brighton permanent to pave the way for Cedric

Cedric Soares, 31, will join Fulham on loan from Arsenal after falling out of favor at the Emirates

He is an experienced Premier League defender with 158 top-flight appearances, and Silva made it a priority to bring the 31-year-old to Craven Cottage this window.

With zero league starts this season for Arsenal, Soares should be given the chance to play more time under his former manager.

Fulham will fully cover his salary, estimated at up to £100,000 a week, as Silva hopes the full-back will add a winning mentality and versatility to his team.

Fulham are also in talks over a deal for Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic, left, as Marco Silva looks to strengthen his in-form side.

The two know each other well from their time together at Sporting Lisbon, where Silva coached Soares between 2014 and 2015.

Fulham, who are currently seventh in the Premier League, are also in talks over a deal for Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic.

Marco Silva is keen to strengthen his midfield and the 25-year-old is a footballer with international experience.

The 25-year-old central midfielder played for Serbia at the World Cup in Qatar last December.