Fulham advance in their pursuit of Leicester full-back Timothy Castagne as boss Marco Silva looks to add to his squad before Friday’s deadline

Fulham have signed a contract for Leicester fullback Timothy Castagne.

The 27-year-old can play over the back-line and has experience at right-back and left-back, as well as full-back on either side.

The Cottagers see the Belgian defender as an ideal match.

Mailsport reported last week that Marco Silva’s team was also preparing a transfer for AZ Alkmaar defender Yukinari Sugawara.

At the time, it was understood that interest in Sugawara was more advanced than in Castagne, but it is unclear whether they will make a move for either.

Marco Silva’s Cottagers see the Belgian defender as an ideal candidate for their ambitious team

Mail Sport reported last week that Fulham is also preparing a transfer for Yukinari Sugawara from AZ

The pursuit of the Japanese star came after news that first-choice right-back Kenny Tete had emerged as a shock target for Bayern Munich.

Fulham are keenly interested in Japan international Sugawara, who is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League club.

It is unlikely that an agreement on personal terms will be an issue, although no deal has yet been reached between the two clubs.

Right-back Sugawara, 23, is valued at a minimum of £10 million by the Eredivisie club.

Sugawara, who played five international matches for Japan, has been a fixture for AZ Alkmaar in recent seasons and is regarded as one of the most consistent full-backs in the Netherlands.