Fulham are emerging as the favourites to sign Hertha Berlin and Croatia defender Josip Simunic.

Australian-born Croat Josip Simunic is angling for a move to England once Croatia's Euro 2008 adventure reaches its conclusion.

The six-foot-five Hertha Berlin stopper was linked with a move to Chelsea last year, but no bid was ever tabled.

Simunic said recently: "I'm looking forward and I hope to go to England.

"I don't know where, but we will see in a few weeks. There's a very good chance."

Hodgson is keen to add experience to the Cottagers' rearguard and the 30-year-old international would certainly do that.

Simunic is perhaps best known to the English fans for receiving three yellow cards from English referee Graham Poll during a World Cup 2006 contest against Australia.