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Fulham have made an attempt to sign Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal as part of the plan to improve their defence. The UK media reported Stade Rennais rejecting the Premier League side’s £20m [€23.3m] bid. Foot Mercato backs that up and shares their own updates, which should encourage Fulham to make further advances. Fulham launch attempt The French outlet only state the Ligue 1 side have turned down the London club’s bid, without a mention of the figure. Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal joined the French club from Mohammed VI Football Academy in 2024. He made 20 league appearances last season and has already caught the attention of a few clubs. Earlier this year, we relayed news of Liverpool, RB Leipzig and Ajax interest in the 20-year-old. At that time, Stade Rennais were planning to extend his contract beyond 2028. That hasn’t happened yet, and Fulham have now come forward to sign the centre-back. Player keeping Fulham’s hope alive Although Stade Rennais rejected the English club’s offer, the Morocco international is giving them hope. Foot Mercato claims the defender is ‘tempted by Fulham’ and is open to making a switch to the Premier League. It’s down to Álvaro Arbeloa’s side to find an agreement with his club. Stade Rennais must sell some players to improve their finances but have no plans to part ways with Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal. Journalists Santi Aouna and Hanif Ben Berkane covered this report for Foot Mercato. The former took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to add the French club would only change their stance if there’s an ‘exceptional offer’. He doesn’t specify what’s exceptional for Stade Rennais while Transfermarkt value Boudlal at €12m. The Ligue 1 side’s financial situation and the player’s desire to move to England should give Fulham hope of securing his services. This would only be possible if the English club were to make a fresh attempt. Key transfer points - UK media reported French club rejected Fulham’s £20m bid - Foot Mercato state defender tempted by Fulham - Stade Rennais need exceptional offer to sell