Manchester United and Arsenal beaten to wonderkid signing Bernard Malanda-Adje by Fulham

FULHAM are close to sealing a deal for Belgian wonderkid Bernard Malanda-Adje.

Belgian international Bernard Malanda-Adje

The 18-year-old was an important member of Jupiter pro-league side Zulte Waregem's push for a Champions League spot, with several big Premier League side keeping tabs since the end of last term.

Malanda has since terminated his contract with the club, using the country's labour laws to help him become a free agent, and the Cottagers now looks to be in pole postion to sign him-up.

The west London club was earlier linked to the starlet in January, with a £3.5m being mooted as the price needed to secure the former Lille man's signature.

Bernard Malanda-Adje in action

“Fulham are closing in on Bernard Malanda-Adje”

Manchester United and Arsenal were both linked to Malanda-Adje earlier in the transfer window, while new boss David Moyes tried to lure him to Goodison Park last season.

But according to Nieuwsblad, Fulham are close to agreeing a deal with the midfielder.

And since the player became a free agent, the Martin Jol led team will only have to pay a minimal training compensation fee to Zulte Waregem to complete the deal.