Fulham are believed to be in pole position to snap up Wigan defender/midfielder Paul Scharner.

The Austrian is no longer guaranteed a place in Roberto Martinez's starting line-up after four years at the club and a summer departure is likely with the Cottagers in a good position.

Stoke are also in the race for the 30-year old but Fulham and Roy Hodgson look to be the frontrunner as Scharner is set to quit Wigan when his contract expires.