Soccer: Fulham sign Marlet for £11.5m

Fulham have smashed their transfer record to sign French striker Steve Marlet from Lyon for £11.5m.

Jean Tigana finally got his man after the Premiership side, who had not designated the number nine shirt at Craven Cottage, had failed in a previous bid.

The 27-year-old completed his medical in London yesterday and has signed a five-year deal in the capital.

Having captured Marlet, who has scored once in a handful of appearances for France, Cottagers boss Tigana has taken his spending since Fulham gained promotion to the £40m-mark and he has said he does not intend to stop using Mohamed Al Fayed’s cash just yet.

Josep Guardiola, a free agent after walking away from Barcelona in the summer, could be his next acquisition and the Spanish midfielder would add further top-level experience to the Division One champions following the capture of £7m keeper Edwin van der Sar, the club’s previous record signing, from Juventus.

‘‘I am pleased to announce that Steve is joining Fulham,’’ said Tigana. ‘‘I have said in the past that it is important for me to strengthen the squad and I believe that Steve’s striking ability will be a valuable asset to our first season in the Premiership.

‘‘It is important for the squad to work together to enable us to be successful at the highest level.’’