Fulham boss Roy Hodgson hopes to land Celtic defender Bobo Balde for £1.5 million this week.

The People says Hodgson stepped in after Bolton pulled out of a move for the powerful defender, who is off to play for Guinea in the African Cup of Nations but should join Fulham this week.

Balde is the type of tough customer Fulham need as their defence puts them in trouble so often, a problem Hodgson has identified quickly.

The long-serving Parkhead star wants a pay-off from Celtic before he goes, but that is being worked on - and Fulham should have his signature within 48 hours.