Fulham want to replace outgoing Murphy with Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey

Martin Jol wants to freshen up his midfield with a move for Wales captain Aaron Ramsey after the departure of his own skipper, Danny Murphy.

It is thought that Jol, despite regularly admitting that he wants to add a youthful edge to his Fulham team, wanted to retain Murphy for at least another year because of his appreciation for the former Liverpool man's passing game, and the subtle manner by which he can dictate a game.

Yet, the Ducthman feels he can be replaced and is looking to the higher echelons of the Premier League in order to do so. A move was made for Ramsey in January of 2011, under Mark Hughes, but the loan bid was rebuffed with little thought from the Arsenal camp.

Now, though, competition for spaces at the Emirates is hotting up, especially with Wenger's expected move for Yann M'Villa. Arsenal's French manager would still be loathe to lose his promising midfielder but with a supposed bid of around £5 million, with another £4 added on in additional payments, Wenger could be tempted.

Even then, though, Ramsey himself would consider the move a step down. Jol is prepared to break a stringent wage structure at Craven Cottage and tempt the Welsh international with weekly wages in excess of £40k but with no European football to dazzle Ramsey's eyes, persuading him to sign up will be difficult.

Nonetheless, there is no doubt the move would be a coup for Fulham - a side known more for buying talent on the cheap. At the very least, the signal of intention is a quite great one.