Fulham are in talks with AS Roma about signing Vincenzo Montella, possibly on loan until the end of the season. The former Italy forward is thought to have held meetings with the club and could have a medical in the next few days. Montella, 32, has scored three goals in ten appearances this season.

Chris Coleman, the Fulham manager, is also seeking a central defender and a midfield player when the transfer window opens on Monday.

Coleman will remind his players of their past triumphs against teams in the top four of the Barclays Premiership before tomorrow’s match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. “We always think we’ve got a chance,” he said. “Their home record is as good as any club side in the world but we’ve beaten Arsenal before, we’ve beaten Chelsea before, we’ve beaten Manchester United before, beaten Liverpool.

“We are three games unbeaten in three London derbies and, most importantly for me, we’ve competed over 90 minutes and that’s all we can ask for. We go into this game with a bit of belief, sleeves rolled up, and anything can happen. But we have to concentrate on another good, gritty performance.”

Chelsea dropped points in the 2-2 draw with Reading on Boxing Day, but Coleman said: “If we are being realistic, it’s going to be a tough game for us. They are a top team regardless of results.”