Fulham will sign Shane Duffy on a permanent deal from Brighton to pave the way for Arsenal defender Cedric Soares... as Marco Silva's side already have two designated domestic loans

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Fulham are to make Shane Duffy's loan 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 Dan James from Leeds as their two designated domestic loans but a deal for the former is cheaper to complete.

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

Fulham are to 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 favour at the Emirates

He is an experienced Premier League defender with 158 appearances in the top flight, 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 get the chance for more playing time under his former coach.

Fulham will fully cover his wages, estimated to be up to £100k-a-week, as Silva hopes for the full-back to add a winning mentality and versatility to his side.

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 pair know each other well from their time together at Sporting Lisbon, where Silva coached Soares from 2014-15.

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 bolster his midfield and Lukic is a footballer with international experience.

The 26-year-old central midfielder featured for Serbia at the World Cup in Qatar last December.