Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is launching a £3 million bid for Hearts captain Christophe Berra.

The Craven Cottage boss sold midfielder Jimmy Bullard to Hull City for £5m and with defensive reinforcement a priority, Fulham are poised to divert some of that cash in the direction of Tynecastle, says the Daily Mail.

Hodgson is a stated admired of Berra, but faces competition for the Scotland international.

Bolton have scouted the defender extensively, while Sunderland coach Ricky Sbragia has also placed Berra on a list of four central defenders he would like to sign. Hearts coach Csaba Laszlo also hinted at interest from the Bundesliga in the 23-year-old.