Fulham and Tottenham now lead Burak Yilmaz chase

Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham are now the favourites to capture the signature of Turkish forward, Burak Yilmaz who, only yesterday, seemed destined to sign for Lazio.

TurkishFootball.com say that a deal between Lazio and Yilmaz's current club, Trabzonspor, fell through after the Italians appeared reluctant to pay the player's release clause, of merely 5 million Euros, up front. This leaves Tottenham and Fulham as the front runners.

President of the club, Sadri Şener, recently confirmed that both London sides were in with a chance of securing the services of the prolific striker: "Tottenham and Fulham are also interested in Burak Yilmaz," he said.

"We shall see what happens."

While Tottenham appears to be the more lucrative destination for Yilmaz, the eagerness Martin Jol is showing to sign him could well play a factor in his eventual decision. Reports suggest we are willing to offer him a 3 year deal while Tottenham are less keen to show their hand because no manager has been secured for the club as of yet.

Having scored 35 goals in 41 games last season, however, there is a good chance that competition will increase over the coming days.