BREAKING NEWS: As the agent gets ready for a crucial meeting, Fulham is ahead of Everton in the race for the star. (Emerson Royal, a defender for AC Milan, is attracting interest from both parties.)

In the competition for an experienced defender, Fulham is “ahead” of Everton. On Thursday, his agency will speak with his present team.

With Fulham in mid-table and it unclear if they can mount a challenge for the European positions, Marco Silva is eager to expand his options before the window ends.

Under new manager David Moyes, Everton is also looking to add players in an effort to avoid falling to the bottom of the Premier League standings.

Both teams are interested in Emerson Royal, a defender for AC Milan who will be let go to make room for Kyle Walker of Manchester City.

Galatasaray has their eye on the former Tottenham Hotspur player as well.

Calciomercato.com, an Italian website, claims that Fulham is ahead of Everton.

On Thursday, Royal’s representative will travel to Italy to discuss his client, who is “one step away” from leaving the San Siro.

Although Royal would love to return to the Premier League, Galatasaray is after him. The 26-year-old Royal has made 17 appearances for AC Milan in Serie A thus far, but it appears that he will soon depart the Rossoneri.