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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Sam Tabuteau

Marco Silva tight-lipped on Rodrigo Muniz's Fulham future but confirms that in-demand striker will play opener

In-demand: Rodrigo Muniz - (Getty Images)

Marco Silva has confirmed that Rodrigo Muniz will be involved in Fulham’s Premier League opener despite rumours of a move away from Craven Cottage.

Muniz, who scored 11 Premier League goals last season, has attracted interest from Serie A side Atalanta, with reports claiming an offer worth £34million (€40m) had been lodged.

Fulham and Atalanta are yet to enter club-to-club talks, with the English club adamant that they want to keep hold of Muniz.

Now, it appears that Muniz - unlike Brentford’s Yoane Wissa - will play a part in his side’s opening fixture this weekend despite uncertainty over his future.

"Rodrigo is in contention for Saturday. Offers and bids we've received - I will not comment," Silva said, remaining tight-lipped on any interest in the Brazilian.

Standard Sport understands that Fulham would only entertain offers for Muniz if they signed a replacement for the striker.

“I speak with him like any other player,” Silva continued.

“He knows what I think about him, how important he is for our club. We will decide what is best for the club and Rodrigo."

The Cottagers are in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk forward Kevin and have seen an initial offer rejected by the Ukrainian club.

It has been a quiet summer so far for Fulham, who have signed just one player, backup goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte.

Fulham’s lack of transfer activity has left Silva frustrated heading into the new season, and he said that the club “have been too passive. I didn't expect it, but it's the market."

The west London outfit are looking to make more signings before the end of the window but are clear that they don’t want to lose any of their key players so close to the start of the Premier League season.

Fulham commence their campaign away to Brighton this Saturday, but they could be without two natural left-backs Antonee Robinson and Ryan Sessegnon, who have both been sidelined with injury.

However, Silva revealed that Robinson was closer than many might think to a return, while Sessegnon could face a fitness test ahead of the trip to the Amex Stadium.

"We have a situation with Jedi,” Silva said.

“He had [knee] surgery. He's not ready, but good signs from him. Soon we will see him in contention. Sess - nothing serious. He was involved this morning, let's see how he reacts. All the other [players] are in contention."

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